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Feds to pay $233 million for Gila River water conservation, infrastructure
The federal government will pay the Gila River Indian Community to leave some of its share of Colorado River water in Lake Mead, as well as funding infrastructure projects to increase wastewater reuse in irrigation.
New US plan could lead to federal action on Colorado River
The Interior Department announced Friday that it will consider revising a set of guidelines for operating two major dams on the Colorado River in the first sign of what could lead to federal action to protect the once-massive but shrinking reservoirs behind them.
On the Colorado River, growing concern for trout and chub
Key Colorado River reservoirs Lake Powell and Lake Mead are both only about one-quarter full. The continued drop, due to overuse and an increasingly arid climate, is threatening the fish and the economies built around them.
Feds to Arizona, California: Drought plan not complete
Despite much fanfare over Arizona’s Legislature passing and Gov. Doug Ducey signing drought plan legislation Thursday, the Department of the Interior is stepping in because federal officials say the drought plan isn’t done.
Water agency director insists lawmakers can give him forbearance authority
The head of the state’s water agency insists that, contrary to the conclusions of a legislative attorney, lawmakers can authorize his department to “forbear” the use of water from the Colorado River.
Court: Mine can give job preference to Navajo workers on Navajo land
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that Peabody Western Coal Co. can give preference to Navajo tribal members when making hiring decisions for mines on the Navajo Nation.
West Valley land approved for tribal status, clearing path for casino near Glendale
Federal officials on Thursday gave the Tohono O’odham Nation final permission to make land it owns near Glendale part of the reservation, a crucial step toward the tribe’s plans to build a casino there.
Government shutdown cost Arizona $27 million at national parks
Arizona saw a $27 million drop in spending at its national parks during October’s partial federal government shutdown, with $17 million in losses at Grand Canyon National Park alone, according to a new report.
Brewer announces nine more days of Grand Canyon funding
Gov. Jan Brewer announced that Arizona will use state funds to keep Grand Canyon National Park open for an additional nine days if the federal shutdown persists.
Navajo Nation agrees to coal-power plant extension
The Navajo Nation has reached an agreement in extending a lease for a coal-power plant that would give the tribe a substantial boost in annual payments.
Former Gov. Babbitt calls on Obama, Congress to focus on conservation efforts
Former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt called for more active land preservation by the federal government Tuesday, criticizing what he called Washington’s neglect of public lands.
Conservation group sues – again – to protect Mexican gray wolf in Arizona
For the second time in less than two weeks, a Tucson-based conversation group has sued the federal government over its handling of the Mexican gray wolf.
