Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

This bill establishes a water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation regarding the Rio San José Stream System in New Mexico. It ratifies an agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties to resolve longstanding water rights claims, creating a $200 million trust fund to support water infrastructure and management. The bill confirms that Navajo water rights will be held in trust by the U.S. government, ensures these rights cannot be lost through non-use, and includes waivers of certain water claims in exchange for the settlement. The settlement becomes effective only after specific conditions are met, including court approval and deposit of funds into the trust fund. The bill also protects the water rights of individual land allottees within the system, ensuring their rights remain separate from the Navajo Nation's water rights.