The Bureau of Reclamation's Value Program Office has announced a public meeting set for Oct. 23 to discuss the findings of a study focusing on regional water solutions for Flagstaff and its partners. Results from this value-planning-level study will be shared with the Flagstaff City Council and interested citizens are invited to attend in person or tune in online. This study represents a collaborative effort by various stakeholders including the City of Flagstaff, Reclamation, the Navajo Nation and more, aiming to address long-standing water demand and supply issues in the region.
As noted in a recent City of Flagstaff announcement, this initiative is part of a broader effort under the Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership, which has been striving to understand regional water needs. In line with these efforts, Flagstaff's potential development of groundwater from its Red Gap Ranch has been identified as a crucial component to the regional water supply solution. In the run-up to the presentation, an intensive planning workshop was conducted, effectively bringing stakeholders like the Navajo Nation to the table to deliberate on water and power requirements and economic opportunities.
The study presented is in alignment with the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement (NAIWRSA), which includes the City of Flagstaff as signatory, after being executed last year by Governor Katie Hobbs. This independent study complements ongoing discussions under the NAIWRSA framework and may fuel further federal investigations, as suggested by previously sent letters of support from Senator Mark Kelly and Governor Hobbs to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner in November 2024.
Flagstaff's City Council, in conjunction with the Water Commission, will host the presentation in the City Council chambers. This joint public meeting promises transparency and the opportunity for community engagement, as detailed in the civic alert. The Bureau of Reclamation encourages the public to either be present at the venue or to listen via the online stream. Individuals seeking additional information or with related inquiries can reach out to Flagstaff City Attorney Sterling Solomon at [email protected].
