This bill seeks to amend current statutes regarding the formation and operation of county water authorities, specifically allowing La Paz County to establish its own authority despite its population being below the previously mandated range of 90,000 to 120,000. The new provisions (
...) will enable the inclusion of entities that own or plan to acquire irrigable land in the Harquahala Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (INA) as members of the authority, with the La Paz County Board of Supervisors required to approve its formation. Additionally, the bill introduces operational changes that grant the La Paz County water authority the ability to apportion groundwater, enter contracts for groundwater, manage transportation fees, and exempts it from certain statutory requirements applicable to other county water authorities.
Furthermore, the bill updates definitions and criteria for forming water authorities across Arizona, including the specification that multi-county water conservation districts must contract with the United States for water supply repayment. It also allows for greater flexibility in the appointment of authority members and directors, particularly for those in areas like the Harquahala INA. Financial operations are clarified, including the handling of revenues, the establishment of funds for grants and water acquisition, and the authority's discretion in setting rates and fees for water delivery. Overall, these changes aim to improve the governance and operational efficiency of water authorities in Arizona.Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-2201, 45-2202, 45-2221, 45-2241, 45-2244, 45-2244.01, 45-2245, 45-2281, 45-2281.01, 45-2282, 45-402, 90-537
House Engrossed Version: 45-2201, 45-2202, 45-2206, 45-2221, 45-2241, 45-2244, 45-2245, 45-2281, 45-402, 90-537, 45-554, 45-437
Chaptered Version: 45-2201, 45-2202, 45-2206, 45-2221, 45-2241, 45-2244, 45-2245, 45-2281, 45-402, 90-537, 45-554, 45-437