Rep. Crane Introduces Legislation to Codify the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement

On December 26, 2025, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced H.R.6931, the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act, to authorize the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement.

Introduction of this bill builds momentum toward a long-term solution for water needs in rural Arizona.

H.R.6931 would solidify the Nation's water rights, initiate major water infrastructure projects, and support the long-term health of the Verde River. The bill approves funding for construction of the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and the Yavapai-Apache Drinking Water System, along with dedicated trust funds for water, wastewater, watershed restoration, operations, and maintenance.

Under the legislation, the Department of the Interior would oversee planning, design, and construction of the Cragin-Verde Pipeline as part of the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project. The bill also authorizes the Nation's use of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water, establishes a permanent CAP delivery contract, and allows the Nation to store, lease, or exchange CAP water within Arizona.

The settlement would bring closure to decades of unresolved water rights issues among the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the State of Arizona, the Salt River Project, the Department of the Interior, and local communities. It would strengthen water reliability for the Nation's more than 2,500 enrolled members across five tribal communities and deliver long-term water security throughout the Verde Valley.

Codifying this agreement concludes a decades-long effort involving tribal leadership, state and federal partners, and local stakeholders. If enacted, the measure would equip the Yavapai-Apache Nation with the necessary tools to manage and protect its water resources for generations.

"The passage of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act will finally resolve our water rights claims that have been pending in Arizona's courts for over four decades, providing water certainty for the Nation and our neighbors throughout the watershed," said Chairman Buddy Rocha Jr. "On behalf of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, I want to thank Congressman Crane for his commitment to the Settlement and to his constituents here in the Verde Valley. We are also truly grateful to Congressman Crane for his recent visit to the Nation, where he, and Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Kirkland, saw first-hand how the Settlement will help support critically needed housing and economic development on our Reservation for years to come."

"I'm honored to introduce this legislation to help secure long-term water security for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, develop critical infrastructure, and finally move toward a permanent solution," said Rep. Crane. "After visiting and meeting with tribal leaders and surrounding communities, it was clear how much certainty and stability this bill would provide. I'm proud to fight for rural Arizona."