The Bureau of Reclamation will prepare an environmental assessment on a proposal to transfer water from a farm near the Colorado River to Queen Creek.
Queen Creek has grown rapidly since it was founded about three decades ago.
The town has spent years looking for reliable sources of water, including a transfer from the Colorado River.
The exchange, though small, has a number of critics, who fear the deal will open the door for water speculators.
A scaled-back version of the deal has been approved by the state. It will now be evaluated by the Bureau of Reclamation.
Members of the public have until Sept. 24 to comment.
Written comments should be submitted to the Bureau of Reclamation, Attention: GSC-QC Water Transfer EA, 6150 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ 85306.
Send emailed comments to [email protected], or submit online at gscfarmqckwatertransfer.com.
