PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 17, 2016
Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2016
This bill (1) ratifies the Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Agreement negotiated between the Navajo Nation, the United States, and Utah; and (2) satisfies the claims of the tribe for water rights and injury to water rights under all laws with respect to the Navajo Nation Reservation.
The bill enumerates Navajo Nation's right to use water from water sources located within Utah and adjacent to or encompassed within the the boundaries of the reservation resulting in depletion of no more than 81,500 acre-feet annually.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) must plan, design, and construct the water diversion, delivery, and conservation features of the Navajo water development projects. Reclamation must convey title to those Navajo water development projects described as water supply and water distribution systems once they are complete, in operation, and if applicable, delivering potable water.
The Department of the Interior must facilitate the formation of a project management committee to review cost factors and budgets and improve management of the Navajo water development projects.
The bill establishes: (1) the Navajo Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement (OM&R) Trust Account for the operation, maintenance, and replacement of the Navajo water development projects authorized to be constructed and described in the agreement as water supply systems and water distribution systems; and (2) the Navajo Water Development Fund to plan, design, and construct the Navajo water development projects.
The bill outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the Navajo Nation and the United States under the agreement.
People & committees
Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] · R–UT
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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