House passes Soboba Band water settlement
The House passed H.R.4841, the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act, by a voice vote on Wednesday.

The bill resolves a long-running dispute between the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and water users in California. The courts recognized the tribe's water rights but the rights were never quantified.

"This settlement will usher in a new era for the Soboba people by ensuring a sustainable and independent homeland for our Tribe and bring to a close a 70 year old struggle over our tribe's water resources," Chairman Robert Salgado, Sr. said.

The bill authorizes $29 million for the tribe and up to 2 billion gallons of water a year.

The Senate has yet to consider the measure.

Get the Story:
Soboba water settlement approved in House; Senate OK still needed (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 5/22)
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Press Release: BONO MACK'S LANDMARK WATER SETTLEMENT BILL PASSES HOUSE (Rep. Bomo Mack 5/22)