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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6931

Rep. Crane Introduces $1 Billion Bill to Settle Yavapai-Apache Water Rights and Build New Pipelines

Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill settles decades of legal claims over water rights between the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Arizona, and the federal government. It guarantees the tribe water from the Verde River and Colorado River systems, ending legal uncertainty for the tribe and surrounding communities.

    From policy text

    “to resolve, fully and finally, all claims to rights to water, including damages claims related to water, in the State, including in the Verde River Watershed and the Colorado River”
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  • The federal government would provide about $883 million to build the Tu nl[[nichoh Water Infrastructure Project, which includes a new pipeline from C.C. Cragin Reservoir and a drinking water treatment and distribution system for tribal lands.

    From policy text

    “$731,059,000 in the Cragin-Verde Pipeline Account established under section 7(b)(1).”
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  • A trust fund with over $155 million is created to help the Yavapai-Apache Nation manage water long-term, including watershed protection, wastewater systems, ongoing operations and maintenance, and water project expansion.

    From policy text

    “$58,000,000 in the Yavapai-Apache Water Projects Account established under section 8(b)(2).”
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  • In exchange for guaranteed water and infrastructure, the tribe agrees to waive current and future water rights lawsuits against the state, other water users, and the federal government. Several parcels of land in Yavapai County will also be placed into federal trust for the tribe.
  • If the Secretary of the Interior does not publish required findings in the Federal Register by June 30, 2035, the entire Act is repealed (except for the trust land provisions), funds revert to the Treasury, and all related contracts become void.
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 26, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Dec 26, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After enactment, once settlement parties sign the conformed agreement

Environmental compliance and preliminary design work begins with $13 million in early funding

The Bureau of Reclamation can start planning the pipeline and drinking water system before the full settlement takes effect, shortening the overall timeline to deliver clean water

Before June 30, 2035 deadline

Enforceability Date: Secretary publishes findings in Federal Register, settlement takes full legal effect

Water rights become legally guaranteed, trust funds become available, waivers of claims take effect, and full construction can begin on the pipeline and drinking water system

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 6931
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.