Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed B1740, investing $1.2 billion over three years to fund projects that will bring additional water to the state to secure Arizona’s water future, improve existing water infrastructure and implement effective conservation tools. The projects will help ensure that Arizona families, businesses and agriculture continue to have adequate long-term water supplies.
Western Growers staff worked with stakeholders, legislators and the Governor’s office to ensure current water resource allocations are protected for existing agricultural uses and agriculture will be represented during the selection process for future projects. SB1740 represents the most significant water legislation since the state implemented groundwater protections in 1980. SB1740 appropriates more than $1 billion to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) and expands it with new responsibilities to provide loans and grants to water providers and entities for the purposes of importing water into Arizona, conservation, efficiency and reuse, and new technologies.
Senate Bill 1740 gives the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) additional authority and tools that will empower the state to be proactive in bringing in new water sources. WIFA will continue to finance the design and construction of water and wastewater infrastructure projects using federal and state funds.
Source: wga.com