"Today marks a very historic day for the three tribes that we have here," said Craig Andrews, vice chairman of the Hopi Tribal Council, at the signing ceremony.
"This is not just an Indian water settlement; it is an Arizona water settlement," he added.
The agreement stems from the recently introduced Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, which would authorize the $5 billion to finance critical water infrastructure projects.
That sum, which still must receive Congressional approval, would also settle the unresolved water rights claims of all three tribes in Arizona.
Stressing the need to ensure economic prosperity and cultural preservation, Andrews described the terms as a "testament to the power of unity and collaboration in the face of water uncertainty."
This collaboration was first made official last Monday, when Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D), along with bipartisan, bicameral colleagues, introduced the legislation.
If the bill becomes law, the funds will facilitate the acquisition, construction and maintenance of water development and delivery projects, including a $1.75 billion distribution pipeline.
In total, the tribes would gain access to more than 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water each year, as well as specific groundwater rights and protections, per the bill.
For reference, the average American household uses about one acre-foot of water on an annual basis.
“Securing water rights for these tribes upholds their sovereignty and lays the path for their growth and prosperity through increased investment in water infrastructure,” Kelly said in a statement.
“Ratifying this settlement honors our commitment to the tribes and helps secure our state’s water future," he added.
