Nick Rahall: “Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring before the House legislation that would adjudicate the water rights of the White…”

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring before the House legislation that would adjudicate the water rights of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and end years of active litigation by ratifying the settlement agreement. This is a bipartisan measure, sponsored by the gentlelady from Arizona, Ann Kirkpatrick, for whom I extend tremendous applause for the manner in which she has led the House on this issue, brought it before our attention, and secured the cosponsorship of the entire Arizona House delegation. The waters of the White Mountain Apache Reservation feed to the Salt River of Arizona. The Salt River is a primary water source for the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona, along with thousands of acres of agricultural land. Coming to closure on water rights is imperative to protect the water supply for thousands of people in Arizona. Equally important is the fulfillment of commitments made to the White Mountain Apache people to provide them a clean reliable water supply, and to repair their irrigation system, which has fallen into disrepair.”