July 29, 2026 4:16 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 4:16 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
News Update November 12, 2025
Negotiations over the future of the Colorado River have reached a standstill after all seven basin states failed to meet a key federal deadline. Reports from 12News and 8NewsNow confirm that the states were unable to agree on a new water-sharing plan, leaving the situation unresolved as the river continues to decline.
High Country News explains that the biggest disagreements involve how much each state should give up in the future. The upper Basin states want fewer mandatory reductions, while the Lower Basin states, including Arizona, say they have already taken the deepest cuts and cannot continue to absorb the majority of the impacts.
With no agreement in place, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has asked the Trump administration to intervene. She stated that Arizona has made significant sacrifices and cannot carry the weight of the reductions while other states refuse to commit to measurable cuts. If the states cannot reach a plan soon, the federal government may create one for them.
For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the outcome of these negotiations has major importance. CRIT holds valuable senior water rights and relies on a stable and fair management plan to ensure long-term security for the community and the region.
For more information, you can read the news articles with the links below.
High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/
12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river
To ensure CRIT tribal members are up to date regarding Colorado River water, the CRIT Tribal Council held an informational meeting for tribal members June 26th at the BlueWater Resort, providing an extensive overview on legislation that gives CRIT the authority to lease a portion of its Colorado River allotment.
Chairwoman Amelia Flores, members of the Tribal Council, and CRIT Water Attorney John Bezdek provided updates and answered questions about the CRIT Water Resiliency Act and recently signed agreements with the State of Arizona and the federal government required by the act. It is important to note the Tribal Council has not approved any proposed agreement to allow CRIT consumptive water to be used off-reservation lands. 
Indeed, any potential lease, water storage agreement, or other off-reservation use of CRIT’s Colorado River water can only happen after a public hearing is held and feedback is provided from the membership to the Tribal Council then it can be approved. CRIT is also looking for a topflight ‘Water Broker’ to make sure CRIT gets the best possible price for any leased water.
Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “We, the Tribal Council want t be transparent, we want to share as much information that we can, information about the federal entities and about the state, which were included in the signing of our agreement.”
The presentation included answers to some frequently asked questions such as:
Q:Has CRIT entered into a leasing agreement?
A:No.
Q:What was signed at April’s signing ceremony?
A:Two agreements between CRIT, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Governor of Arizona about how to account for water use and water conservation on reservation lands. (more…)
The ‘Blue Water Fire’ has burned 150 acres across the river from the BlueWater Resort and Casino. However, no structures have been damaged and there are no injuries.
During the July 6th fireworks performance at the BlueWater Resort , three small fires started on the California side of the river across from the resort.
Windy and hot weather conditions caused the fires to merge and head towards the Bermuda Palms community. While reports indicate a structure was threatened, crews positioned around the structure and kept the fire at bay and the structure safe.
The fire is 20% contained as firefighters have managed to slow the fire’s progression and growth.
Those fighting the fire include crews from the BIA, the BLM, San Bernardino Fire, Buckskin Fire, CRIT Fire, CRIT Wildland Fire, Parker Fire, Contract Heavy Equipment, and the San Bernadino County Sheriff’s Office.
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
CRIT LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
Date: June 25, 2024
Location: Desert Avenue and 9th Street (Western Park) Parker, AZ
Incident: Shooting Investigation
On June 24th at approximately 10:16 pm, CRIT Police Department was contacted by La Paz County Central Dispatch to assist Parker Police Department to Desert Ave and 9th Street (Western Park) in reference to shots fired. Officers arrived on scene to find a male juvenile victim with apparent gunshot wounds located in his vehicle. The male juvenile was pronounced deceased on scene.
Officers from CRIT Police, Parker Police, and La Paz County Sheriffs canvassing the area were able to find evidence that indicated the suspect in the shooting fled the scene on foot. At 10:21 pm CRIT Criminal Investigator was called to respond to scene. Several witnesses in the surrounding area described a male subject in the area fleeing on foot. Description was given to all agencies on scene.
A person of interest was taken into custody on unrelated charges pending investigation. This case is being investigated by the CRIT Police Department, Parker Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact CRIT Police Department TIPS Line at 928-669-5341.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for lane restrictions and ramp closures on east- and westbound Interstate 10 in Quartzsite.
The following lane restrictions will occur nightly beginning Monday, June 24, and ending Friday, June 28, for paving:
The following ramp closure will occur:
The following daytime lane restrictions will occur from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, June 24, and ending Wednesday, June 26, for guardrail repair:
Drivers should plan for delays, obey posted speed limits and traffic control devices and use caution around construction personnel.
