First Regular Session H.C.R. 2001
PROPOSED
SENATE AMENDMENTS TO H.C.R. 2001
(Reference to House engrossed resolution)
Strike page 1, insert:
"Whereas, the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will provide a long‑term, sustainable water supply to 43 Navajo Chapters, the City of Gallup, New Mexico, and the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation; and
Whereas, completion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is essential to meeting impending Navajo water demands, as supported by Brenda Burman, Commissioner of the United States Bureau of Reclamation; and
Whereas, a $74.6 million financial award to further develop the Navajo‑Gallup Water Supply Project was approved by the United States Bureau of Reclamation; and
Whereas, the United States Bureau of Reclamation has entered into an agreement with the Navajo Nation to design and construct a pipeline extension to the Window Rock, St. Michaels and Fort Defiance area, known as Reach 12.3, with the addition of 5.3 miles of pipeline, including a facility for water chlorination processing and a water storage tank; and
Whereas, The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project was authorized as part of the Navajo Nation's water rights settlement with the State of New Mexico. The State of Arizona is not required to make any water rights concession to the Navajo Nation or to contribute to the construction of the project, which will benefit its Navajo citizens; and
Whereas, the major obstacle to initiating construction of the Reach 12.3 pipeline and facilities to the Window Rock, St. Michaels and Fort Defiance area is a provision in Section 10603 of Public Law 111‑11, requiring that the Navajo Nation resolve its water claims before the Reach 12.3 project may move forward; and
Whereas, it is impossible to determine the time frame in the already decades-long effort to resolve water claims with the numerous parties to the Little Colorado River water settlement; and
Whereas, the people in the Window Rock, St. Michaels and Fort Defiance region currently need the water that can be delivered through the Reach 12.3 pipeline and facilities, which would also empower economic development."
Page 2, strike everything after the resolving clause and insert:
"That the Members of the Legislature fervently support the amendment of Public Law 111-11, Sec. 10603 (c)(1), to allow water delivery and treatment for the Window Rock, St. Michaels and Fort Defiance area with the construction of the Reach 12.3 pipeline and facilities at no cost to the State of Arizona."
Amend title to conform