[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ZUNI INDIAN TRIBE WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK RENZI

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Representatives Kolbe, Pastor, 
Hayworth and Grijalva, I rise today to introduce the Zuni Indian Tribe 
Water Rights Settlement Act of 2003. Senators Kyl and McCain will be 
introducing the Senate version of this important legislation.
  The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2003 codifies 
the settlement of the Zuni Indian Tribe's water rights for its 
religious lands in northeastern Arizona. The Zuni Heaven Reservation 
was created by Congress in 1984 to protect and recognize long-standing 
religious activities by the Zuni Tribe.
  This legislation would go one step further and provide the Zuni Tribe 
with the resources to acquire water rights and to restore and protect 
the wetland environment that previously existed on the Zuni 
Reservation. It's important to note that the Zuni Tribe will acquire 
water rights from willing sellers. In return, the Zuni Tribe will waive 
its claims in the Little Colorado River Adjudication. The Zuni Tribe 
will also waive claims against any future water uses in the Little 
Colorado River basin and grandfather existing uses.
  This legislation will not only avoid costly litigation by the United 
States, but it will allow the United States government to satisfy its 
trust responsibilities to the Zuni Tribe regarding water on the Zuni 
Reservation.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the work of the parties to the 
Zuni Settlement. The parties consist of rural communities in the First 
District of Arizona, including the City of St. Johns, the Town of Eagar 
and the Town of Springerville. In addition, the State of Arizona, 
specifically, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the State Land 
Department and the Arizona State Parks Board, Salt River Project, 
Tucson Electric Power Company, St Johns Irrigation and Ditch Company, 
the Lyman Water Company and the Round Valley Water Users' Association.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Zuni Indian Tribe 
Water Rights Settlement Act of 2003.

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