Kelly, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Ratify and Fund Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego introduced theYavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ratify and fund the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The bill resolves the Nation's longstanding water rights claims, strengthens water reliability in the Verde Valley, and helps protect flows in the Verde River. It also builds on Senator Kelly's ongoing work to secure Arizona's water future and deliver reliable water infrastructure for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and surrounding communities.

The Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act authorizes $1.039 billion to construct and maintain critical water infrastructure, including the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and a surface water drinking plant. The settlement confirms the Yavapai-Apache Nation's right to 4,610 acre-feet of water per year, promotes water conservation, and supports long-term protection of the Verde River. It also includes a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service to secure lands contiguous to the Middle Verde Reservation, strengthening community resilience and environmental stewardship.

A house companion, H.R. 8949, was introduced by Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ-02).

"Families and businesses in the Verde Valley and surrounding communities need a reliable water supply, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation deserves a fair, lasting resolution to its water rights," said Senator Kelly. "This agreement honors Tribal sovereignty, invests in critical water infrastructure, and helps safeguard the Verde River. It's a big step forward for the Nation and for every community that depends on this river, and we'll work together to get it done."

"Few things in Arizona are more precious than water. Arizona's Tribal communities understand that better than most," said Senator Gallego. "That's why I'm proud to help introduce this bill to finally codify the Yavapai-Apache Nation's water rights and invest in infrastructure to bring clean, reliable water to the Nation and surrounding communities, now and in the future."

"I'm honored to introduce this legislation to help secure long-term water security for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, develop critical infrastructure, and finally move toward a permanent solution," said Rep. Crane. "After visiting and meeting with tribal leaders and surrounding communities, it was clear how much certainty and stability this bill would provide. I'm proud to fight for rural Arizona."

See what Arizona leaders and stakeholders are saying about the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026:

"The State of Arizona proudly supports the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement, which will bring increased water security and sustainability to the Verde Valley and help ensure every Arizonan has access to the water they need to thrive," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "My administration is committed to partnering with Tribes on all water resource matters, including settling outstanding water rights claims. These rural communities have waited decades for this settlement, and it is time we get it done to ensure water reliability for generations to come."

"In addition to finally resolving the Nation's water rights, this historic legislation will provide for the development of water infrastructure to import new water sources to the Verde Valley and our Reservation homeland, safeguarding the Nation's water future, while also helping to protect the Verde River and local groundwater supplies for everyone who relies on these critical resources," said Yavapai-Apache Nation Chairman, Buddy Rocha, Jr. "On behalf of the Nation and our many leaders who have worked on this Settlement over the years, I want to thank Senator Kelly and Senator Gallego for reintroducing the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act and for their longstanding commitment to the Nation's water certainty. The Nation also wants to recognize the remarkable commitment to this Settlement by our settling parties, the State of Arizona, the Town of Camp Verde, the Town of Clarkdale, the City of Cottonwood, Salt River Project, and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District."

The Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026 is supported by the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District & Salt River Valley Water Users' Association, City of Cottonwood, Town of Camp Verde, Town of Clarkdale, Central Arizona Project, City Payson, Gila County, and Chino Valley.

Click here to read the bill text. Click here for a summary.