The state created the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority in 2022 with the mission to find and develop new water sources in the face of ongoing drought.
Its board members are looking to spend the money they have, anticipating cuts in next year’s budget.
The authority was originally promised a billion dollars in funding, but it’s only received a third of that under Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Board members worry that trend will continue in next year’s budget talks as cuts in federal spending and tax reductions start to impact state revenues.
It was originally hailed as the most consequential change in state water laws since the 1980 Groundwater Act. But the board has drawn criticism for not coming up with any projects since being established.
It did receive six proposals for importing water in August, half of which would build desalination plants. The board could push some of those plans forward in December.
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Environmental advocates argue that new water-sharing rules can and should keep the river flowing for plants, animals, people and infrastructure. -
An important measuring site called the Charleston gage recently measured zero flow in the river. Experts say it's due to climate change and groundwater pumping. -
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said they’re taking a major step toward securing their long-term water outlook by directing their city manager and city attorney to potentially create a large water use ordinance for the city. -
Environmental advocates worry about the future of cool mix flows, which send water from Lake Powell to protect threatened humpback chub in the Grand Canyon. -
The illness features symptoms like fever, joint aches and fluid in the lungs. Sickened river rafters and boaters are using social media to discover they're not alone in it.
