BOARD01674

• Board Meeting Date: 9/24/2001
• Description: WSP Section - Colorado River Basin Issues - Discussion on Future Policy Regarding the Gallup Navajo Project in New Mexico
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Agenda Item 8e
September 24-25,2001 Board Meeting
Page 5 of5

significant new water development projects in neighboring states that would rely on
unused apportionment in another? Should our general position be any different than
that which six basin states have imposed on California?

Staff sees a clear need for New Mexico, Utah and Arizona to bring closure to a
water rights settlement with the Navajo Nation. However, such settlement
should be done witbin the "Law of the River." We see no need to threat such a
settlement witb the Navajo's any differently than witb other Tribes and no need
to treat New Mexico any different than California when asldng th1!m to live
within their compact apportionment.

Observations

As staff reviews this project, there is a clear need for additional water supplies on Project
lands. Tl1e Gallup-Navajo Project is certainly one of the more feasible options, and the
Navl\ios and New Mexico clearly want to see some resolution of these issues that would
allow a Project to proceed. We need to continue to talk with the Navajo's and New
Mexico about solutions that would allow an Indian water rights settlement to occur and
for areas clearly in need of additional water to receive such.

Recommendation

This remains an informational item for further discussion and direction from the
Board. Staff will continue working on a policy position for the Board's consideration at
either the November or January Board meeting. Staff would apprecillte any comments
from Board members on the direction that the policy is taking.

Attachments:
DRS

c:\mydocs\agendaGallupNav92001.bdmdoc