Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona governor's office and Arizona Legislature are accepting applications for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) Board.

The board was established this year as part of legislation that made a "$1 billion investment to secure Arizona's water future," according to a July news release from Gov. Doug Ducey's (R-AZ) office. 

"This year, we took a bold step to position our state for future success," Ducey said in a news release on Wednesday. "Our water plan is crucial for our state's growth. We have an important responsibility to see it through. It will take the right team. We want to represent every corner of our state with diverse perspectives and experiences. We’re bringing everyone to the table to find the highest quality water and financial experts.”

Applicants for the board must have lived in Arizona for at least two years and have experience in water or public finance, as well as other qualifications, the news release noted.

Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers (R) said work to secure the state's water security began with the passage of July's bill but did not end there.

"This session, we delivered for Arizonans," he said in the news release. "Now, we need to see it through. With an enhanced water-securing body filled with top-of-their-field experts, we'll support our state's future. Collaboration is key and we're sure to find new tools and resources to secure our water future."

Arizona Senate President Karen Fann (R) spoke about the issue as well. 

"It's been a group effort to address Arizona's water shortage," she said in the news release. "The Senate members look forward to working together to ensure we have the best of the best at the center of our mission to secure our state's water future. We're committed to seeing this historic plan through."

Other officials expressed a sense of urgency in getting the board set up.

"We're committed to working quickly and efficiently to have the best water and financial experts on the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority board," Rebecca Rios (D), Arizona Senate minority leader, said in the news release. "Together, we'll build on our state's strengths in water conservation and protect our future."

The board's role will be crucial to the future of water in the state.

"As Arizona learns to live with less water, WIFA will be a key tool for water conservation, storage, and augmentation," Reginald Bolding (D), Arizona House minority leader, said in the news release. "The new WIFA Board should represent all the expertise and diversity that Arizona has to offer. We have created a centralized spot for applicants who wish to serve on WIFA's Board and hope that qualified individuals across this state will apply."

Applications for board members will be accepted until Sept. 15.