The proposed bill seeks to amend current statutes to facilitate the establishment of a county water authority in La Paz County, which is currently restricted under existing law that limits such authorities to counties with populations between 90,000 and 120,000. The bill introduces new provisions allowing eligible entities, including those owning or planning to acquire irrigable land in the Harquahala Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (INA), to participate in the authority. It also mandates that the La Paz County Board of Supervisors must approve the formation of the authority and requires joint appointments for representation. Furthermore, the bill outlines operational guidelines for the La Paz County water authority, including the ability to apportion groundwater from the Harquahala INA, enter into contracts for water resources, and manage financial aspects such as transportation fees and revenue deposits. It also exempts the La Paz County water authority from certain statutory requirements that apply to other county water authorities, thereby streamlining its establishment and operations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance water management capabilities in La Paz County while making necessary technical and conforming changes to existing statutes.

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