Arizona's Governor Katie Hobbs has made waves with the state's first issuance of Groundwater Savings Credits, a pivotal move under the newly instated "Ag-to-Urban" Groundwater Conservation Program, according to an announcement on the Office of the Arizona Governor's website. This innovative approach aims to repurpose agricultural land for residential development, curbing water use by up to 80%.
Forestar Real Estate Group, seizing the initiative, submitted their application as soon as the program kicked in. Adhering to an expedited timeline that saw Forestar awarded these credits after a mere 45 business days, Arizona's Department of Water Resources (ADWR) has demonstrated a commitment to swift action by issuing the credits and simultaneously publicizing Forestar's Certificate of Assured Water Supply.
Governor Hobbs celebrated the program's launch, saying, "I'm taking bold action to protect our water, grow our economy and lower costs for Arizona families. The first-ever Groundwater Savings Credits under the Ag-to-Urban program shows we can use new, innovative policies to increase our housing supply, grow sustainably, and save our precious water supplies," as reported by the Office of the Arizona Governor.
Forestar applauded the program and the state's efforts, with Region President Brian Konderik stating, "Arizona’s ‘Ag-to-urban’ Program creates new pathways for smart development by helping landowners and farmers partner to convert high-water using agricultural land into water saving and residential housing." He also thanked Governor Hobbs for crafting policies that are both beneficial to the environment and supportive of housing needs, according to their statement on the Arizona Governor's official website.
Bipartisan support is evident in the backing from State Senate President Pro Tem T.J. Shope and State Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan, who both recognize the program's potential for sustainable growth without overly burdening the agricultural sector. The Ag-to-Urban initiative is part of Governor Hobbs’ broader effort to safeguard Arizona's groundwater and boost its economic development, a plan which has earned the endorsement of personalities and organizations like Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn and Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Both have praised the program for ensuring water security and meeting the housing demand, as outlined in the official announcement on the governor's website.
The program's success signals a positive direction for Arizona's management of its vital water resources while supporting the state's burgeoning housing market. As the region grapples with growth and sustainability, measures like the Ag-to-Urban program are set to play a crucial role in balancing environmental needs with economic pressures.
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