Congress approved $15 million to go to St. George for the band's share of the water reuse project's costs; $5 million to go to the band for economic development; $3 million for environmental needs; and $1 million for a trust to help the band cover its operation costs of the pipeline.

"In this water-short area of the country, the Shivwits Band, local water users, the city (St. George) and the state came together to develop innovative solutions to address their respective water needs while also working to protect the habitats of species of concern in the basin, such as the Virgin River spinedace," Norton said.

She said it is a model she would like to see copied elsewhere — and is an example of the collaboration she has been promoting with her recent Water 2025 initiative to head off future water battles before they begin.

Meanwhile, Rogers said, "This fight has concluded, but another fight is ahead as we try for economic development — and decide how to use the water to help the people."

He said his band is considering how to use it to attract non-polluting businesses or allow some farming.

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