Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced four appointments on Oct. 3 to the new Water Infrastructure Finance Authority board (WIFA) tasked with securing Arizona’s water stability.

The WIFA was established in accordance with the signing of a $1 billion investment to secure Arizona’s water future, which Ducey signed into law on July 6.

The WIFA appointees include David Beckham of Maricopa County, Buchanan Davis of Pinal County, Jonathan Lines of Yuma County, and Andy Tobin from Yavapai County. The board took effect Sept. 24 and is in charge of distributing loans and grants to water providers and other entities involved in water-related projects.

“We passed the most significant water legislation in 40 years this year in partnership with our legislative leaders,” Ducey said in a release on the Governor's Office website. “Now, with the right team, we’re positioned with $1.4 billion to secure our state’s water future for the next 100 years."

WIFA will have the ability to acquire, store and sell imported water and it will also engage in private-public partnerships, the release stated.

"The board members of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority will be important stewards of our water resources, pursuing innovative augmentation and conservation projects," Ducey said in the release. "I’m confident that with fresh ideas and diverse backgrounds, representing every corner of our state, we will ensure Arizona remains a land of opportunity for families and businesses. Our appointees have the right skills and experience to position our state for future success.”

There is still one vacancy remaining on the statewide, at-large position. The final member will be selected from a list of nominees presented by the House Speaker and Senate President, according to the release.

"With the right team, skills and experience, we’re positioned with $1.4 billion to secure our state’s water future for the next 100 years," Ducey added on Twitter. "The WIFA board members will be important stewards of our water resources."