ARIZONA SUPPORT.
SIGNIFICANT PRIORITIES IN THE 2023 SESSION
HB2022 Sponsored by Rep. Tim Dunn, and signed by Governor Hobbs, reduced specific application fees for permits at the Arizona Department of Water Resources to $100, reduced from up to $10,000 per application previously. This bill was in response to WG-expressed concerns related to regulatory requirements in regions of Arizona, which require application for grandfathered water rights. The bill was passed with an emergency clause, rendering it effective immediately upon signature. HB2026 Sponsored by Rep. Tim Dunn, included in the final budget, appropriated $30 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Fund. WG advocated strongly for this very successful program, that is a continuation of the program after the success of the initial creation and investment in the 2022 budget. HB2056 Sponsored by Rep. Lupe Diaz, and vetoed by Governor Hobbs, would have clarified what qualifies
as a “water of Arizona.” Specifically, an eroded terrain feature such as a dry wash, arroyo, swale, gully, or rill, characterized by low volume, infrequent, or brief water flows, will not fall within the definition of “water of this state.” WG staff worked to gain supportive votes for the legislation, which would offer clarity toward the regulation of waterways.
Made with FlippingBook Online document maker