File Photo By Luke Runyon/KUNC: Water Lake Mead, pictured, and Lake Powell feed the west.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law led by Sinema and shaped by Kelly provides $33.4 million to secure reliable water supply for Arizona tribes
WASHINGTON DC – A Total of $33,400,000 will be invested in fulfilling key Indian Water Rights Settlements in Arizona from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law led by Senator Kyrsten Sinema and shaped by Senator Mark Kelly.
The Senators’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $2.5 billion in funding to complete all currently authorized Indian Water Rights Settlements. The Department of the Interior announced over $33 million to fulfill the Ak-Chin Indian Water Community Rights Act, the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Distribution System and rehabilitation of the San Carlos Irrigation Project.
“The federal government has a long overdue obligation to fulfill tribal water settlements. Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is keeping that promise by providing Arizona tribes access to a clean and reliable drinking water supply,” said Kelly.
“Our bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver historic investments that will stand the test of time. Thanks to our leadership, we’re implementing over $33 million to strengthen Tribes’ economic and water security,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Below are the recipients and award amounts:
| Settlement | Total |
| Ak-Chin Indian Water Community Rights Act | $22,500,000 |
| Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement – Farm Extension | $9,000,000 |
| San Carlos Apache Tribe (Distribution System) | $1,500,000 |
| San Carlos Irrigation Project Rehab | $400,000 |
| TOTAL: $33,400,000 |
Sinema led bipartisan Senate negotiations with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio that included Kelly and senators from both parties.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was supported by groups including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, The National Association of Manufacturers, The AFL-CIO, The National Retail Federation, The Bipartisan Policy Center, North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Outdoor Industry Association, The American Hotel and Lodging Association, The National Education Association, as well as hundreds of mayors across all 50 states.
