Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026

Resolution of Water Rights Claims: The bill seeks to fully and finally resolve all claims to water rights, including damages claims, for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the United States acting as trustee (Section 2(1)).

Infrastructure Development: It authorizes the construction of the Cragin-Verde Pipeline Project and the Yavapai-Apache Nation Drinking Water System Project (Section 6(a)).

Water Delivery Capacity: The Cragin-Verde Pipeline Project is required to be capable of delivering at least 6,836.92 AFY of water to the Yavapai-Apache Nation (Section 6(b)(3)(A)(i)).

Cultural and Environmental Protection: The bill recognizes the cultural, traditional, and religious value of the Verde River and aims to protect its existing flows (Section 2(5)).

Creation of a Trust Fund: A settlement trust fund is established for the Yavapai-Apache Nation to manage and invest funds for various water-related projects and management (Section 8).

Land Acquisition: The Secretary is directed to accept the transfer of title to specific lands to be held in trust for the benefit of the Yavapai-Apache Nation (Section 13(b)).

Water Availability for Yavapai County: Up to 1,639.74 acre-feet of water per year may be made available from the C.C. Cragin Reservoir for municipal and domestic uses in Yavaya County, Arizona, without cost to the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project, provided certain contract conditions are met by December 31, 2029. (Section 17(a))

Land Transfer for Town of Camp Verde: The Forest Service is directed to work with the Town of Camp Verde to transfer title of up to 40 acres of Forest Service land for public safety and other municipal purposes. (Section 17(c))

Exemption from Certain Restrictions: The Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 and other acreage or pricing provisions will not apply to individuals or entities solely because they receive benefits under this Act, perform the Agreement, or use/exchange CAP water. (Section (c))

Waiver of Legal Claims: The bill requires the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the United States to execute a waiver and release of various past, present, and future water rights claims (Section 11(a)).

Assumption of Maintenance Costs: After the Date of Substantial Completion, the Yavapai-Apache Nation and other beneficiaries must bear the costs of care, operation, and maintenance for the Cragin-Verde Pipeline Project on a pro rata basis (Section 6(b)(6)(B)).

Responsibility for Drinking Water System Costs: Upon the Date of Substantial Completion, the Yavapai-Apache Nation assumes all responsibility for the care, operation, and maintenance of its drinking water system (Section 6(c)(6)(A)).

Potential Repeal of the Act: If the Secretary fails to publish a statement of findings by June 30, 2035, the act may be repealed, which would make any actions or contracts taken under it void (Section 15(b)(1)).

Liability Limitations for the United States: The United States is not liable for failing to carry out obligations or activities authorized by this Act if Congress does not provide adequate appropriations. (Section (b))

Restrictions on Legal Actions: Certain parties bringing actions relating to the interpretation or enforcement of the Act or Agreement are prohibited from requesting monetary damages, court costs, or attorney fees against the Yavapai-Apache Nation or the United States acting as trustee, with specific exceptions for certain claims. (Section (A))

Restrictions on Landowner/Water User Actions: Landowners or water users in the Gila River Watershed bringing actions regarding specific paragraphs or decrees are prohibited from requesting monetary damages, court costs, or attorney fees against the Yavapai-Apache Nation or the United States acting as trustee. (Section (B))