Arizona Gov. Ducey wants to create entity to deal with state’s water future
Feb 25, 2022, 4:00 PM | Updated: 4:59 pm
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin,File)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin,File)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is proposing the creation of an entity that will handle the future of water in a state bound by prolonged drought.
The Arizona Water Authority would be tasked with tackling water supply challenges, according to draft legislation released Friday by the Republican governor.
The entity would have the power to acquire, own and sell water on behalf of the state.
It could also make decisions on water storage, plan for water-related facilities and be saddled with other responsibilities on how to allocate water in the state.
“This is going to be a project over time as to how we address the next 100 years in Arizona,” Ducey said Friday.
Funding for the entity, which would be set to get $1 billion, would come from the state’s general fund.
The AWA would have have a nine-member board consisting of six appointed positions and three ex-officio members to serve as director of environmental quality, director of administration and director of water resources.
It wouldn’t be a regulatory agency, meaning it wouldn’t come in conflict with the responsibilities of the Department of Water Resources.
Ducey previewed plans but offered few details in his annual state of the state address in January.
He listed water as one of his top priorities heading into his final year as governor of Arizona.
