Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Rep. Crane Introduces $1 Billion Bill to Settle Yavapai-Apache Water Rights and Build New Pipelines
Legislative Progress
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Homeowners in the Verde Valley area of Arizona could benefit from reduced legal uncertainty over water rights once the settlement is finalized. The Cragin-Verde Pipeline is also authorized to deliver up to 1,912 acre-feet per year for other water users in Yavapai County, and up to 1,639 acre-feet per year from C.C. Cragin Reservoir may be made available for municipal and domestic uses in the county. This could improve long-term water supply reliability in a water-stressed region.
“up to an additional 1,912.18 AFY for Use by water users in Yavapai County as provided by the amendments made by section 17(a)”
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
Kelly, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Ratify and Fund Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement
Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego reintroduced legislation to ratify a settlement providing the Yavapai-Apache Nation with 4,610 acre-feet of water annually and $1.039 billion for infrastructure, including the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and a surface water drinking plant.
Yavapai-Apache water settlement returns to congress
On Dec. 26, 2025, Rep. Eli Crane introduced H.R. 6931, the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act. The bill seeks congressional approval for a negotiated settlement and authorizes construction of a water project to resolve long-standing tribal water rights claims in Arizona.
Council approves water deal with Y-AN, SRP
The Cottonwood City Council unanimously approved water settlement agreements with the Yavapai-Apache Nation, aligning with federal legislation introduced by Rep. Eli Crane and Senators Kelly and Gallego to codify the tribe's water rights and fund the Cragin-Verde Pipeline.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Data Sources
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Cosponsors
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