The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has provided a cost estimate for S. 563, the Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 5, 2025. The legislation appropriates $745 million to implement the settlement, which aims to resolve water rights disputes involving the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. This estimate indicates a significant federal financial commitment to finalize the settlement.

Government agencies involved in the implementation of this settlement, particularly those related to water resource management and tribal affairs, will need to budget and allocate these funds. Tribal nations, specifically the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, will be directly impacted by the resolution of their water rights claims. Compliance officers should note the substantial appropriation and ensure that any associated federal requirements or reporting obligations stemming from the settlement are met.