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Arizona Family: Gov. Ducey signs landmark $1.2 billion ‘water protection’ bill
Gov. Doug Ducey signed a landmark water bill Wednesday morning in the Phoenix capitol rotunda. The legislation will put $1 billion in the new Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, allowing the state to buy and own new water sources, offer grants, and build sustainable infrastructure for importing water into Arizona.
It is viewed as the most significant since the state implemented a groundwater protection plan in 1980. Climate change and a nearly 30-year drought forced the move, which comes as Arizona already faces cutbacks in its Colorado River water supply and more loom.
Arizona Republic: With water supply cuts looming, Arizona will spend $1.2B to find solutions for severe drought
Gov. Doug Ducey signed a legacy-defining bill into law Wednesday making a nearly $1.2 billion down payment toward alleviating the state's water woes as Arizona faces a colossal cut to its supply next year.
"We are in the midst of the second decade of the worst drought in recorded history," the governor said. "We continue to experience shortages on the Colorado River and the forecasts are not getting better. These challenges made it necessary for us to act. So today, we are taking action, to do what the men and women of Arizona hired us to do: Position our state for success today, tomorrow and for generations to come."
Cronkite News: $1 billion investment to acquire, conserve water is signed by Ducey
“Arizona will now be able to acquire, own and store new water, and we will invest heavily in conservation, efficiency, reuse and advanced water technologies like desalination,” Ducey said after signing Senate Bill 1740. “These assets have the potential to preserve millions of gallons of water every year, and they will protect our Colorado River entitlements.”
SB 1740 – sponsored by Sen. Sine Kerr, R-Buckeye, and supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle – also reestablishes the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona as a state agency and empowers it to form partnerships for water supply projects. The agency also will control funds for conservation efforts.
ABC 15: Governor Ducey signs historic legislation protecting Arizona water
Governor Doug Ducey signed historic legislation Wednesday morning to protect Arizona’s water…The plan invests $1 billion over three years to fund projects that will bring additional water to the state.
KTAR: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signs bill investing more than $1B in water supply
“We want to take care of water for Arizona for the next 100 years,” Ducey said. “There’s flexibility around the fund and, of course, with resources we can bring in more water to the state. We can also add conservation.”
Arizona Daily Star: New AZ law puts $1.2B toward finding new water sources, conserving
Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation Wednesday to provide $1.2 billion to fund massively ambitious projects to find new water for Arizona, and smaller ones to conserve what the state already has.
Senator T.J. Shope
Gov Doug Ducey had a goal to invest $1 Billion to help secure #AZ’s water future at his State of the State Address and today, SB1740 was signed. Thanks to Sen. Sine Kerr & Rep. Griffin for leading the legislative charge to create the bipartisan bill signed today! #AZLeg
Senator Sine Kerr
I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this monumental legislation! Congratulations to all, now let's get to work!
Senator Sean Bowie
Proud to join my colleagues and Governor @DougDucey today for the signing of our bipartisan $1 billion investment in our state's water future. Still more work to do, but a significant step in the right direction that will benefit Arizona for generations to come.
Senator Rebecca Rios
Protecting & conserving Arizona’s water isn’t a partisan issue. Grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this critical and historic bipartisan legislation
Representative Joanne Osborne
Historic!
Describing the actions of this year’s session! One item - Historic water policy & funding for our future! Thank you @DougDucey for today’s bill signing! Looking good #Arizona! We can solve problems, celebrate success & I’m proud to have been there to make a difference!
Valley Partnership
It was an honor to join @DougDucey and state leaders for the signing of historic $1B investment to secure our state's water future. We look forward to continuing to work with local, state, federal & community partners on innovative ways to preserve and maintain our water supply.
Sandra Watson
A historic day! Thank you Governor @DougDucey and our legislators for working together to invest $1 billion in Arizona's water future. These projects will continue to support Arizona's vibrant economic growth.
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