The bill would approve a 2007 water settlement involving the Tule River Tribe and downstream water users in California. It would recognize the Tribe’s right to use up to 5,828 acre-feet of water each year from the South Fork Tule River. The settlement would also set rules for operating a reservoir, subject to court approval, and transfer specified federal and tribal lands into trust for the Tribe. In return, the Tribe and the United States would release certain past water-related claims. The settlement would take effect only after required court approvals, funding, and other conditions are met.
The Tribe could use settlement funds for water projects on its reservation, such as water storage, treatment, and delivery systems. The Tribe would own and operate projects built with these funds and pay their ongoing upkeep costs. Downstream water users could be subject to the settlement and court-approved operating rules. The bill does not describe specific effects on other individuals.
The bill authorizes $518 million for water development projects and $50 million for project operation, maintenance, and replacement. These amounts could be adjusted for construction cost changes. The funds would need to be appropriated and deposited before the settlement takes effect. Of the project account, $20 million would be available for reservoir studies and operating rules.
The bill states that its purpose is to reach a fair, final settlement of water-right claims, carry out the 2007 agreement, fund water projects, and transfer certain lands to the Tribe. No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.