October 27, 2026 3:43 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
October 27, 2026 3:43 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.

8NewsNow
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/colorado-river-negotiations-fail-to-meet-federal-deadline-for-7-state-agreement/

High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/

 

ABC 15 News
https://www.abc15.com/weather/impact-earth/why-gov-katie-hobbs-wants-trump-administration-to-broker-colorado-river-deal

 

12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river

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:

  • East- and westbound I-10 will be reduced to one lane between Dome Rock Road and Scaddan Wash (mileposts 11 to 24) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. 
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.
  • A 14-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place.

The following ramp closure will occur:

  • The westbound Riggles Avenue on-ramp (Exit 19) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Thursday, June 27, and ending Friday, June 28, for guardrail work. Detour: Motorists may detour to Main Street, then travel west to Quartzsite Boulevard (Exit 17) to access I-10.

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:

  • Eastbound I-10 will be reduced to a one lane at Tyson Wash.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph
  • A 14-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place

Drivers should plan for delays, obey posted speed limits and traffic control devices and use caution around construction personnel.

Crews  have restored power in the Big River area. An  outage is impacting customers north  of the railroad tracks along the river began around 1:30pm on June 15th

BIA Electric was able to  make repairs and power was restored just before 9pm.

Tribal government reponded quickly establishing cooling stations for impacted customers at the BlueWater Resort and at the Big River Baptist Church.

 

On May 1st, 2024 students and staff from the Colorado River Indian Tribes Head Start program travelled to Avi Suquilla Airport in town for a field trip. They were greeted by Airport Manager Josh Philipps and his staff who explained how the airport worked, how the staff communicated with pilots, and how they fueled the aircraft and ensured safe flights for those coming to and from the airport.

During the trip the students were able to explore many types of aircraft including single propeller aircraft, jets, and medical helicopters. At the end of the field trip the students were treated to an ariel demonstration by a World War Two flying group.

The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC)  Alcohol Awareness class was a recent outreach effort and community school event, where youth were presented with the concerns and dangers associated with underage drinking, and life ramifications thereafter. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.