Rep. Calvert Introduces the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act
Jesus Reyes
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KESQ) – Congressman Ken Calvert introduced the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, or H.R. 5935, on Monday.
According to Calvert’s office, the legislation facilitates the execution of the water settlement agreement reached by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (Tribe), Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), and Desert Water Agency (DWA).
“One of the many ways we recognize and protect the tribal sovereignty of tribes, like the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, is to protect and honor their water rights. I want to thank the Tribe as well as the Coachella Valley Water District and Desert Water Agency for reaching this water settlement. I look forward to working with them and the Department of Interior to pass this bill and fully execute the settlement,” said Rep. Calvert.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act ratifies that the Tribe has a federally reserved water right up to 20,000 acre-feet per year of groundwater from the Indio Subbasin that is held in trust by the U.S. for the Tribe and individual allottees.
The Tribe would also have surface water rights in Tahquitz Creek, Andreas Creek, and Whitewater Ranch, held in trust by the U.S.
The bill would establish a $500 million “Agua Caliente Settlement Trust Fund” in the U.S. Treasury to be administered by the Department of Interior. The fund would include accounts for Development Projects, Groundwater Augmentation, Water Management, and Operation, Maintenance and Replacement Costs. The bill would transfer 2,742 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to the Tribe, with gaming prohibited on the transferred land.
“The historic Agua Caliente water rights settlement affirms the Tribe’s right to manage, regulate, and govern the use of the Tribal Water Rights and at the same time improves the sustainability of water supplies for the entire Coachella Valley. The Tribe is grateful for Congressman Calvert’s leadership in authoring this bill and for his longstanding dedication to both tribal sovereignty and smart water management. We urge Congress to move this legislation forward quickly,” said Chairman Reid Milanovich, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Under the terms of the agreement, domestic water service would not stop or switch to a tribal utility. Instead, CVWD and DWA would continue to supply households and businesses on the Reservation.
“The introduction of this legislation is an important step in implementing the settlement agreement. It provides a clear framework for honoring Tribal water rights and builds upon our long-term water management strategies that have served the Coachella Valley for over a century. By moving this agreement forward through Congress, we are reinforcing a collaborative approach that benefits the entire region,” said John Powell Jr., CVWD Board President.
“Desert Water Agency supports the legislation needed to move this settlement agreement forward and appreciates Congressman Calvert’s role in introducing the bill. This agreement reflects the shared commitment of all three parties to protect our aquifer and ensure a sustainable water future for the Coachella Valley. DWA customers can continue to count on the same high-quality water and dedicated service they have always received,” said Paul Ortega, Desert Water Agency Board President.