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Measure would ratify Agua Caliente settlement and authorize groundwater use and land transfers
Summary
S 43 68 would ratify the Agua Caliente Band settlement with Coachella Valley Water District and Desert Water Agency, confirming up to 20,000 acre-feet of groundwater rights from the Indio Sub Basin and authorizing funding and federal land transfers to implement the settlement.
Chair Murkowski summarized S 43 68 from Senator Padilla as a ratification of an Agua Caliente Band settlement with the Coachella Valley Water District and the Desert Water Agency. The bill would confirm the tribe's right to produce or use up to 20,000 acre-feet of groundwater annually from the Indio Sub Basin, provide funding to implement the settlement, and authorize federal land transfers.
"It would confirm the tribe's right to produce or use up to 20,000 acre feet of groundwater annually from the Indio Sub Basin providing provide funding to implement the settlement and authorize federal land transfers," Chair Murkowski said. The opening remarks did not include details on the proposed funding level or the specific parcels proposed for transfer; witnesses were expected to clarify implementation steps and environmental considerations.
The committee framed the measure as part of a set of settlements that require clear implementation plans and durable funding to move legal water rights into on-the-ground infrastructure and operations.
