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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2002

A massive water rights bill settling outstanding tribal claims in Arizona has been introduced in the Senate.

The Gila River Indian Community and the Tohono O'odham Nation are ceding future claims to water under the Winters doctrine. The Supreme Court in 1908 said tribes are entitled to enough water as practicable for their lands.

Instead, tribes will receive half of the state's current unused surface water. They will be able to lease it back to cities.

The bill provides the opportunity for other tribes to opt in.

Get the Story:
Kyl bill would settle water litigation (AP 9/25)
Deal would end Indian water dispute (The Tuscon Citizen 9/25)
Tribal water rights bill introduced (The Arizona Republic 9/25)
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