July 29, 2026 12:13 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 12:13 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Per the notice attached below, official comments must be made in writing to CRRMC, therefore comments made on Facebook will not be considered official.
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR (Environmental Review Record) to the Colorado River Residential Management Corporation, Morris P. Sevada III, Executive Director. All comments received by September 24, 2024, will be considered by the Colorado River Indian Tribes prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
Please mail any comments to:
Colorado River Residential Management Corporation
PO Box 3427
Parker, Arizona 85344
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Federal officials again summoned governors from all seven Colorado River Basin states to Washington, D.C., signaling growing concern that negotiations remain stuck. Reports indicate the federal government is preparing to step in more forcefully if states cannot agree on near-term shortage management and a longer-term framework.
Governor Katie Hobbs is escalating efforts to restrict groundwater pumping tied to Saudi-backed alfalfa farming in La Paz County. The reporting highlights how years of unregulated groundwater use have drawn down aquifers connected to Colorado River–dependent regions.
New analysis outlines what may come next if Basin states fail to reach agreement, including deeper federal control, stricter shortage tiers, and more aggressive conservation.
Sources – January 23, 2026
Arizona Budget Proposal Includes Major Funding for Colorado River Protection
On January 16, 2026, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) shared details of Governor Katie Hobbs’ FY 2027 Executive Budget Proposal focused on preparing for long-term challenges facing the Colorado River. The plan includes new and expanded funding aimed at strengthening water security across Arizona in the face of ongoing Colorado River shortages.
Key points from the budget related to water:
Source:
Arizona Water News https://azwaternews.com/2026/01/16/fy2027_execbudgetproposal/
Arizona announced new groundwater management rules for parts of La Paz County, expanding oversight in an area long known for unregulated pumping. The move follows increased scrutiny of agricultural water use and reflects a broader push to protect groundwater supplies as Colorado River shortages continue. La Paz County lies within CRIT’s region. Stronger groundwater rules help prevent over-pumping that can undermine surface water systems and threaten tribal water security.
A water policy expert argues that Basin states are unlikely to compromise without clear federal consequences. With post-2026 rules approaching, the federal government’s willingness to step in is seen as a key driver for progress. Federal involvement increases the importance of ensuring tribal water rights and sovereignty are explicitly recognized in any imposed or negotiated plan.
Multiple outlets report on the release of the draft post-2026 Colorado River management alternatives by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The plan outlines several options for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including deeper cuts and greater federal control if states fail to agree. Officials stress that public and stakeholder input is still open but time is limited. These alternatives could directly affect downstream water deliveries. CRIT’s senior water rights, sovereignty, and river stewardship must be included before any plan is finalized.
Arizona municipal water providers stress that collaboration during the legislative session will be essential to address shortages, infrastructure needs, and conservation goals tied to the Colorado River.
Legislation was introduced in Congress to formally codify a tribal water rights settlement, providing legal certainty and recognition of the tribe’s rights. Each tribal settlement strengthens the broader recognition of tribal water rights across the Colorado River Basin and reinforces sovereignty.
Reports highlight emerging technologies, including satellite tools and agricultural innovations, aimed at reducing water use and improving efficiency across the West. Technology can support conservation efforts, but it does not replace enforceable water rights or the need to protect river flows.
Several outlets reported on the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which outlines how the Colorado River could be managed after current rules expire in 2026.
The draft lays out five possible management alternatives for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including options where the federal government steps in if Basin states cannot agree. Federal officials acknowledge that a temporary or stopgap deal may be necessary if negotiations remain stalled. These decisions will directly affect how water is released downstream.
As a senior water rights holder, CRIT’s rights and sovereignty must be protected in any final plan. The draft process is a critical opportunity for tribal input.
Coverage from Nevada and Utah outlets explains that while states continue negotiations, deep disagreements remain over how water cuts should be shared. Federal officials are signaling they are prepared to act if consensus is not reached.Some articles describe this moment as a turning point, where long-standing assumptions about water use are being challenged and previously “untouchable” practices are now on the table.
If states fail to agree, federal decisions could reshape river operations. Tribal nations must be included to ensure historic rights are not overlooked.
California-focused reporting explains how the draft federal plan could require additional water cuts, even during wet years. Officials emphasize that recent storms do not erase long-term shortages caused by overuse and climate change.
California’s use affects overall Basin stability. How cuts are distributed influences downstream reliability for Lower Basin users.
Multiple sources covered Arizona’s continued focus on groundwater protection, including new Active Management Areas and enforcement actions tied to large agricultural water users. These efforts are framed as necessary as Colorado River supplies remain uncertain.
As surface water becomes less reliable, pressure shifts to groundwater. Strong regulation helps prevent over-pumping that could undermine regional water security and tribal resources.
Nonprofit and policy reporting highlights a key admission from federal officials: a full, long-term Colorado River agreement may not be ready by 2026, making interim solutions likely. (more…)
Bureau of Reclamation – The Bureau of Reclamation released its long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement outlining potential strategies for managing Lake Powell and Lake Mead after 2026, when current operating guidelines expire. The draft presents multiple alternatives, including scenarios where the federal government steps in if Basin states fail to reach agreement. No preferred alternative has been selected yet, keeping negotiations open.This document will directly shape how Colorado River water is managed in the future. Tribal water rights, sovereignty, and protections for the river itself must be recognized in any final decision.
Lake Powell Chronicle – This piece outlines which players are involved in current negotiations and what each is seeking, including states, tribes, and federal agencies.Who is “at the table” determines whose rights and values are reflected in the final outcome. Tribal voices remain essential.
Tucson Sentinel – Despite recent storms and heavy rainfall in Phoenix, much of Arizona remains in long-term drought. Experts caution that short-term rain does not replenish groundwater or stabilize Colorado River supplies. Reinforces that reliance on weather alone will not protect tribal water rights or the river.
Arizona Water News – Arizona Department of Water Resources hydrologists are conducting field investigations across multiple basins to better understand groundwater use and conditions. Increased groundwater scrutiny reflects growing pressure as Colorado River supplies tighten, which can affect regional water demand and policy.
KLAS CBS 8 – Forces aligning against healthy snowpack for Colorado River states
Experts warn that warming temperatures, dry spells, and climate trends are working against the development of a healthy snowpack, threatening future river flows. Snowpack is the river’s primary source. Poor conditions upstream affect all downstream users.
Colorado Public Radio / The Hill – House fails to override Trump veto of Colorado water project
Lawmakers failed to override a presidential veto blocking a major Colorado water infrastructure project, leaving future water deliveries uncertain.Delays in infrastructure add pressure to existing Colorado River supplies. (more…)
KGUN 9 Tucson – Group urges Sahuarita to review Hudbay groundwater agreement
Community advocates are calling for closer review of groundwater agreements tied to mining operations, citing long-term water security concerns.
Cave Creek/Carefree Independent – Water at the forefront of Tuesday meetings
Local leaders are increasingly focused on water planning as development and supply concerns grow.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat – California’s largest reservoir rises 36 feet as rains boost water supply statewide. Storms have boosted reservoir levels in California, but officials caution that snowpack remains below what is needed for long-term security.
GV Wire – Winter storms wipe out drought in California, for now
California officials stress that recent rains offer short-term relief but do not end the drought.
CBS News – Colorado’s snowpack woes continue into 2026
Colorado snowpack remains well below average, heightening concern for river flows later this year.
Salt Lake Tribune – The Great Salt Lake enters 2026 uncomfortably close to record lows.
Low water levels highlight the broader regional water crisis tied to climate change and overuse.
Engineering News-Record – At Lake Powell, engineering is outpacing Colorado River policy.
Engineers are adapting dam operations to keep the system functioning, even as policymakers lag behind on long-term solutions.
Parker, Arizona. — Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Tribal Council announced a major investment in the Tribe’s farming businesses today following a landmark agreement by the Tribe to secure access to financial capital. Under the terms of the agreement, the Tribe’s existing enterprise, CRIT Farms, will transform into ‘Amat Kuhwely, with an investment of $23 million in the coming years to upgrade and expand CRIT’s farming operation through optimization of the operation, and improving water use efficiency on the Farm.
“CRIT Farms has been the anchor of our agricultural economy and this investment empowers a great economic development opportunity for our Tribe,” said Amelia Flores, Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. “CRIT’s members have told us that they want the most efficient, effectively run enterprises, and today’s announcement is a big step in that direction, as we grow our farming business.”
Founded in 1973 to provide revenue for the Colorado River Indian Tribes, CRIT Farms has become one of the largest farming operations in Western Arizona. But after significant growth over the last fifty years, access to additional financial capital is necessary to sustain the Tribe’s position as a market leader. Plans for bringing previously fallowed acreage back into production, expanding CRIT’s agricultural market reach, as well as developing CRIT’s unused California acreage (and water) are a cornerstone to this investment.
In partnership with CRIT, Indigena Capital will facilitate the investment of tens of millions of dollars to improve water efficiency and administrative capacity on the existing farm and will expand its operations in the coming years. This investment will provide the capital necessary to address overdue investment in CRIT Farms infrastructure and help the Tribe continue to expand its strong position in the market for years to come.
“Our people must continue to receive the cultural and economic benefits from our water; we accomplished that today,” continued Chairwoman Flores. While Indigena Capital is the financial partner for the farming operation, under the terms of the agreement with Indigena, the tribe will maintain exclusive and sovereign control of CRIT’s water.
After five decades as CRIT Farms, the tribal farming operation is also rebranding as ‘Amat Kuhwely. The new name—a Mohave language reference for what today is called Parker, the place that was dug, — better reflects CRIT’s ancestral connection to the land and water that provides economic bounty for its people. “I have often stated that we have always been farmers, and we will always be farmers. This reinvestment is a confirmation of that,” said Chairwoman Flores.
The investments on the CRIT Reservation come at a critical time in the Colorado River Basin. As the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation undertakes an ambitious plan—known as the post-2026 guidelines—that will re-work how it manages the River, developing farming operations at CRIT opens a diverse array of additional prosperous opportunities for the Tribe. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes is moving closer to having high speed internet now that ground has been broken on a project to install a fiber optic network.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place December 18th outside the CRIT offices. Chairwoman Flores, the Tribal Council, representatives from the USDA, and Ackerman Consulting were among the attendees.
A $25 million grant from the USDA ReConnect program is funding the project to connect CRIT to a high speed fiber optic network spanning 191 miles. The timeline for competition is about five years.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores says this is not the end of the process as CRIT will be seeking more grant money for continued improvements. Flores said, “What broadband will bring to us will strengthen our sovereignty. It will strengthen future generations.” Flores then picked up a handful of soil and proclaimed, “This is part of us, and we will be bringing the fibers (fiber optic cable) into our soil. Literally we will be bringing into our soil our sovereignty. We will have control of our digital future.”
CRIT Project Coordinator Thai Yang said, “In today’s digital world, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury it is essential for education, businesses, healthcare, and connecting with loved ones. With this broadband expansion we are addressing a critical need and insuring no one is left behind.” (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes is proud to announce work will soon begin on a new broadband project to bring high speed internet to the reservation in the near future.
There will be a groundbreaking ceremony on December 18th at 10 am near the monument sign at CRIT’s administration building located at 26600 Mohave Road in Parker.
CRIT is moving ahead with its broadband goals following a $25 million grant from the USDA ReConnect program to provide broadband infrastructure and services in rural areas. It will connect CRIT to a high speed fiber optic network spanning 191 miles.
The project is on a five-year timeline and when completed it will provide reliable and fast internet access, empowering CRIT to fully participate in the digital economy.
It will also create a valuable new resource for Tribal enterprises and help create new ones. The fiber optic network will also help students of all ages get improved access to online educational resources, and make it easier for Tribal members to access critical telehealth services.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, members of the Tribal Council, representatives from the USDA, and representatives from Ackerman Consulting will be at the ceremony. Ackerman Consulting specializes in engineering broadband networks in rural and tribal communities.
