Statement by Senator John McCain on Senate Passge of Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act

Statement

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement following the Senate today passing H.R. 4924, the Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act:

"I am pleased that the Senate and the House have passed the Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act. While not a full Indian water settlement, this bill is an important step forward in the continuing effort to resolve the water rights claims of the Hualapai Tribe. The bill also helps secure future water supplies that support jobs at Arizona's Badgad Mine operated by Freeport Minerals Corporation.

"I understand that concerns have been raised by a number of local communities about this legislation, particularly the loss of county revenues that would occur under the land exchange element of the settlement. I support this legislation, but would expect that the broader Hualapai water settlement to follow will be developed in consultation with the community and their concerns be fully vetted by Congress."

The bipartisan House bill, which was introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and cosponsored by the entire Arizona U.S. House delegation, would codify agreements that would settle a water-rights dispute in the Bill Williams River Watershed. Senators McCain and Flake previously introduced S. 2503, an identical companion bill in the Senate.

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