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White Mountain Apache Tribe's Drinking Water Infrastructure Project Gains Ground with Congressional Legislation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema introduced legislation to fully fund and complete the vital drinking water infrastructure project for the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The bill aims to amend the Tribe's water rights settlement by authorizing the use of additional federal funds and extending the deadline for the White Mountain Apache Rural Water System and Miner Flat Dam project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legislation introduced by Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Senator Mark Kelly, and Senator Kyrsten Sinema aims to fully fund and complete the White Mountain Apache Rural Water System and Miner Flat Dam project.
  • The bill would amend the Tribe's water rights settlement, enacted by Congress in 2010, to authorize the use of additional federal funds and extend the deadline for the project.
  • The project, which has faced unforeseen technical delays and cost-overruns, is crucial for providing clean, reliable drinking water to Tribal members on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
  • Rep. O'Halleran has championed the legislation since coming to Congress in 2017, and has been working closely with the Tribe to ensure their access to safe, reliable water infrastructure.
  • The White Mountain Apache Tribe has expressed appreciation for the legislation, which would provide the resources and time needed to effectuate the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act.
  • Senator Kelly has highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating that it would ensure White Mountain Apache families and businesses have access to reliable, clean, safe drinking water.
  • Senator Sinema has emphasized the need to strengthen the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Rural Water System Project to provide clean, dependable, and sustainable drinking water for tribal members.

Statistics:

  • 2010: Congress enacted the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Water Rights Quantification Act.
  • 2017: Rep. O'Halleran joined Congress and has been championing legislation to amend the Tribe's water rights settlement.
  • Number of Tribal members on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation: Not specified.
  • Number of villages that would benefit from the water project: Whiteriver, Fort Apache, Canyon Day, Cedar Creek, Carrizo, and Cibecue.
  • Amount of additional federal funds needed: Not specified.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01)
  • Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema

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