Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey released a statement June 24 supporting the state's $1 billion investment to secure its water supply for the future, calling the legislation “unprecedented.”

According to a story by AZCentral, declining water levels in the Colorado River, spurred by major population growth during the past two decades, made it necessary to address potential water shortages before the water supply in Arizona becomes a problem.

“Arizona has always been proactive and aggressive in addressing our water challenges,” Ducey said in a statement on the governor’s website. “From the innovative canals dug by the Hohokam centuries ago to the Groundwater Management Act of 1980 and the Drought Contingency Plan of 2019, Arizonans are, by necessity, water experts.

The Arizona Legislature [has] passed an unprecedented investment in Arizona’s water future,” Ducey added. “Arizonans expect their leaders to face the challenges of our state head on. With this landmark legislation to secure our state’s water future, we did.”

The Colorado River’s boundaries are split among seven states as well as Mexico, according to AZCentral. However, the headwaters have not been able to keep up with the growth in those states during the past 20 years. That necessitated the legislation, Ducey said.

“Arizona has become a thriving state because of the vision and leadership of those who have come before us, Carl Hayden, Barry Goldwater, Bruce Babbitt, Mo Udall and Jon Kyl," he said. "Today we stand on the shoulders of these giants." 

Senate Bill 1740 passed after a two-day blitz to get the legislation done. The measure expands the powers of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority as well as adding funding and appropriations for specific water-related projects.

“With the passage of this legislation, we are rising to one of the most consequential challenges of our time," Ducey said. "We are securing Arizona’s water future. We’re protecting our water supply, strengthening our conservation strategies and ensuring that our future remains bright." 

Ducey credited all the legislators who worked on getting SB 1740 passed.

“My thanks to Senate President Karen Fann, House Speaker Rusty Bowers, leaders Rebecca Rios, Lupe Contreras and Reginald Bolding, Sen. Sine Kerr, Sen. Lisa Otondo, Rep. Gail Griffin, and Rep. Tim Dunn for their leadership, and to all the lawmakers who voted for this historic investment in our state’s future," Ducey said.