WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Congress today unanimously approved legislation authorizing a federal loan to the White Mountain Apache Tribe for the planning and engineering of a dam and reservoir to provide clean drinking water for the tribe. The legislation, S. 3128, the White Mountain Apache Tribe Rural Water System Loan Authorization Act, was introduced by U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) in June and passed unanimously by the Senate on Thursday.
“Today’s passage in the House is good news for Arizona and the White Mountain Apache Tribe,” said Kyl. “I’m pleased that we were able to pass this important legislation before the end of the congressional session, making possible a long-term, reliable solution to the Tribe’s drinking water needs.”
The White Mountain Apache Tribe is located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona and has approximately 15,000 members. The majority of the reservation’s residents currently receive drinking water from a small well field. According to the tribe, well production has significantly decreased over the last few years, leading to summer drinking water shortages.
In order to meet the needs of the tribe’s growing population, a proposed new dam and reservoir -- the Miner Flat Project – located on the reservation is considered to be the best long-term solution to ensure an adequate drinking water supply.
Kyl’s bill authorizes the Secretary of Interior to provide a $9.8 million federal loan to the White Mountain Apache Tribe for the planning, engineering, and design of the Miner Flat Project. The loan is repayable over a term of 25 years.
Kyl was integral in quickly advancing the bill through the Senate. Congressman Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives in July. The bill will now be sent to President Bush for his signature.
