In Arizona, water is as precious as it is scarce, and the state legislature's latest move underscores just how seriously some lawmakers are taking the issue. On Tuesday, the Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water paved the way for potentially greater water security by advancing House Concurrent Resolution 2016 (HCR2016), a measure seeking to reinstate vital funding for long-term water projects.
The move comes in stark contrast with the recent release of the Governor's budget proposal, which allocates no funds for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s (WIFA) Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund, the rural water supply development program or, the water conservation grant program. This, despite the Governor's earlier promises to bolster the state's water future. In a publication by the Arizona Legislature, State Representative Gail Griffin, who chairs the committee, stated that "while recent budget shortfalls have impacted the program’s funding, this resolution underscores the Legislature’s commitment to fully reinstate WIFA funds when budget conditions improve, sending a clear message that water security is a top legislative priority," as detailed by the Arizona House of Representatives.
Griffin expressed concern over the Governor’s stance on water rights, warning that securing Arizona's water future should not come at the cost of individual rights and freedoms. "When the Governor talks about securing Arizona’s water future, what she intends to do is take away individual rights and liberties," Griffin cautioned. This sentiment is reflected in HCR2016, which aligns with the 2025 House Majority Plan emphasizing the importance of securing long-term water supplies while protecting Arizonans’ rights, as per the Arizona House of Representatives.
The commitment by the House to this course of action signifies an embracing of fiscally responsible investments, which Representative Griffin believes will unlock economic opportunities within the state. "Securing our long-term water supply through fiscally responsible water investments is essential to unleashing economic opportunity in our state," she emphasized. Notwithstanding the budgetary challenges, WIFA is expected to complete a competitive solicitation process, which Griffin says will lay out all viable options for future water investments in Arizona, according to the Arizona House of Representatives's release.
Upon approval by the Rules Committee, the resolution will advance to the full House for further consideration. If adopted, it will serve as a testament to the Legislature's resolve in supporting long-term water infrastructure initiatives capable of augmenting Arizona's water supplies. Representative Gail Griffin continues to represent Legislative District 19 as a Republican member of the Arizona House, championing the state's water policy from the forefront of the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.
