The Camp Verde Town Council is expected to consider the approval of a water rights settlement with the Yavapai-Apache Nation during its Aug. 7 regular council meeting.
It is a result of years of negotiations and will finalize water claims between the town and tribe over the Verde River watershed and develop long-term water resources.
"As the two largest local governing authorities that will impact growth and development in the Camp Verde area, it is important for the Town and the Nation to work cooperatively to ensure appropriate water resource development in the future," says Camp Verde Mayor Dee Jenkins.
The agreement only applies to claims between the town and the nation and does not settle disputes by property owners that may have claims pending in the Gila River Adjudication.
Officials say they want Camp Verde and the Yavapai-Apache Nation to grow responsibly while protecting the Verde River and the cultural and natural resources of the Verde Valley.
The town’s water rights attorney has recommended approval of the settlement.
It is attached to a larger water rights settlement between the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
A bill was introduced last week in Congress to finalize the $5 billion deal.