Congressman Ken Calvert has introduced H.R. 5935, known as the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act. The bill aims to implement a water settlement agreement between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), and the 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.
Chairman Reid Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band stated, “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.”
John Powell Jr., CVWD Board President, commented, “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.”
Paul Ortega, Desert Water Agency Board President, added, “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.”
The proposed act would confirm that up to 20,000 acre-feet per year of groundwater from Indio Subbasin will be reserved by federal trust for tribal use; it also includes surface water rights in Tahquitz Creek, Andreas Creek, and Whitewater Ranch under U.S. trust. Domestic water services would remain unchanged for reservation households and businesses.
A $500 million “Agua Caliente Settlement Trust Fund” would be created within the U.S. Treasury under Department of Interior administration. The fund would support development projects, groundwater augmentation efforts, management activities, operations costs, maintenance needs, and replacement expenses related to water resources.
Additionally, 2,742 acres managed by Bureau of Land Management would be transferred to tribal ownership with gaming restrictions applied.
Ken Calvert has represented California’s 41st District in Congress since 1993 (https://calvert.house.gov/about). He was born in Corona in 1953 where he still resides at age 69 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059). He earned his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1975.
