[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17928]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, 
   ACTING THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER OF RECLAMATION, TO DEVELOP WATER 
 INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE RIO GRANDE BASIN, AND TO APPROVE THE SETTLEMENT 
   OF THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMS OF THE PUEBLOS OF NAMBE, POJOAQUE, SAN 
                      ILDEFONSO, TESUQUE, AND TAOS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Today I rise to introduce a bill to complete 
two major tribal water settlements in northern New Mexico, the Aamodt 
and Abeyta settlements. Introduction of this bill represents a major 
milestone in the completion of these important settlements. Years of 
work and negotiation have gone into each of these, and I am pleased 
that the tribes, villages, cities, counties, acequias, and community 
groups involved were able to come to an agreement that is mutually 
beneficial.
  New Mexico is a state rich with tradition and culture, where the 
water resources are scarce and precious. As is common in most of the 
arid west, this vital but limited commodity can foster conflict between 
communities and individuals, and in a state where the history is long 
and complex, disputes over water are equally complicated. But, despite 
the complications surrounding water tenure, New Mexicans are united in 
a common respect for this resource. From the pueblos and tribes of New 
Mexico, to the historic acequias and growing communities, water is 
fundamental to both survival and cultural traditions, and is respected 
as such. Both the Aamodt and Abeyta settlements are examples of 
communities and tribes coming together to resolve their differences and 
find a way to ensure that everyone has access to this precious and 
respected resource.
  The bill being introduced today consists of two titles, the first 
outlining the Aamodt Settlement, and the second outlining the Abeyta 
Settlement.
  The Aamodt title resolves the water claims of the Pueblos of Nambe, 
Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque, and the needs of the surrounding 
communities in Santa Fe County. The settlement is a result of long 
negotiations between the county and pueblos, and will result in the 
development of a mutually beneficial water infrastructure system. This 
system will ensure that the pueblos and surrounding communities have 
access to clean running water into the future. I applaud the efforts 
and success of these groups in coming to an agreement that both settles 
disputes and benefits each community.
  The Abeyta title establishes the water claims of the Pueblo of Taos, 
the Taos Valley Acequia Association, the Village of El Prado, and the 
Town of Taos. These communities depend heavily on agriculture and 
irrigation for both traditional practices and subsistence. The 
settlement ensures water for both agricultural and domestic use, and 
facilitates the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure. 
Additionally, the Abeyta settlement helps to protect the quality of 
water in the watershed by protecting and recharging the wetlands areas 
of the Taos Pueblo's buffalo pasture. After years of negotiation, the 
parties involved in this important settlement have come to an agreement 
based on respect of cultural practices, and a commitment to live as 
good neighbors sharing a common resource.
  It has been said that the wars of the future will be fought over 
access to water. In New Mexico, we are setting a different precedent--a 
precedent of respect and compromise, one that will help us move into 
the future with well established partnerships and a commitment to 
conserve and manage this vital resource to the benefit of all. I am 
honored to introduce this legislation today that will bring the pueblos 
and communities involved in the Aamodt and Abeyta one step closer to 
establishing a secure water future.

                          ____________________