Friday, Dec 9 2011 5:04PM
The funds are meant to stabilize water supplies to the Soboba Band and nearby communities in California, ending decades of litigation and more than a century and a half of conflict concerning the limited water supplies provided by the San Jacinto River Basin.
U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced the release of $21 million in federal funds to close the Soboba of Luiseño Indians Settlement Act, a historic water rights settlement approved in 2008.
The funds are meant to stabilize water supplies to the Soboba Band and nearby communities in California, ending decades of litigation and more than a century and a half of conflict concerning the limited water supplies provided by the San Jacinto River Basin.
"Thanks to collaboration among the Band, the water districts and the U.S. government, the funds we are releasing today will have a real, lasting impact when it comes to a secure water supply and spurring economic development for the Soboba nation and the neighboring communities," Salazar said.
The settlement establishes a quantified water rights and supplies for the Soboba Band reservation and a regional water management framework meant to prevent the issue from arising in the future. More than $11 million has been released to cover wastewater and
water system services and related infrastructure on the reservation.
The Soboba Band is also receiving land for commercial development and economic development funding from the involved water districts as part of the settlement.
For further reference, check out this source:
U.S. Department of the Interior