The City of Casa Grande, working alongside Arizona Water Company (AWC), is promoting sustainability with its new drought-tolerant landscaping initiative at City Hall. Announced on the City of Casa Grande website, the effort is backed by a composite of grants and city funds amounting to $347,000. With work starting earlier this month, the revamp includes installing a high-efficiency irrigation system and transitioning to xeriscaping, with anticipated completion by the end of January.
Central to Casa Grande's "Water Wise Outside" campaign, this initiative underscores a citywide goal to cut water consumption by 15% as outlined in the 2030 General Land Use Plan. Along with a financial contribution from the city's own Capital Improvement Project fund, grants from the Lincoln Institute/Babbitt Center and the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority's Water Conservation Grant Fund have fortified this project's foundation. Hired for the task is Tri Valley Landscaping, a local business known for its expertise in the field - selected through a competitive bidding process, according to the city's press release.
City Hall, the first to implement the pilot project, serves as a symbol of Casa Grande's commitment to preserving water resources. The initiative not only aims to reduce water usage but also establishes a model for environmental stewardship within the community. "This project is a milestone in our efforts to conserve water and educate our community about sustainable practices," Danny Gallegos, Director of Community Services, stated in the city's announcement.
Expanding upon the benefits of the project, a Demonstration Garden is slated for the future phase. Planned as a public educational hub, the garden will flaunt water-saving techniques through interactive signage and design elements, including water-smart landscaping features like gabions. Additionally, the garden will meld local history and cultural touches into its layout - seeking to both educate and enchant Casa Grande residents.
The initiative offers multiple long-term benefits, including water savings and cost efficiency. It aims to reduce the city's ecological footprint and expenditures while encouraging the community to adopt more sustainable practices in their own yards. As part of the city's SAVE IT! Integrated Demand Management program, launched in April 2022, Casa Grande continues to promote conservation through its collaboration with AWC.
