Gosar applauds Arizona Supreme Court decision upholding Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act

After a unanimous decision in favor of his legislation, U.S. Rep. Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ) yesterday chided the Mohave County Supervisors for what he called an “unnecessary legal challenge” of the Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act, which allows for the settlement of claims in the Bill Williams River Watershed.

“Today’s opinion by the Arizona Supreme Court upholds state water rights and affirms Arizona Department of Water Resource’s critical role in protecting these rights,” Gosar said. “I’m disappointed that the plaintiffs in the original case asserted a number of baseless claims at taxpayer expense in seeking to prevent a private water rights settlement which has significant benefits for local waters users and the State of Arizona.”

The law promotes the settlement of claims within the watershed between the Hualapai Tripe, the Department of the Interior, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and the Freeport McMoRan Minerals Corporation.

“Moving forward, I believe this case can serve as a teachable moment for Arizona’s citizens, water users and supervisors throughout the state,” Gosar said. “Rather than trying to upend a water rights settlement paid for with private money and involving private property, we should all work together and encourage common sense solutions that benefit all parties. Above all else, today’s ruling is a win for private property owners, the Hualapai Tribe and the people of the great state of Arizona.”