This bill proposes to extend the exemption from the groundwater withdrawal fee in the Pinal active management area (AMA) for water banking purposes from the current expiration date of December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2030. It also maintains the fee cap of $2.50 per acre-foot per year during this period. Additionally, the bill extends the same fee structure for groundwater and irrigation efficiency projects in the Pinal AMA, pushing the deadline for these fees from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2030.

Furthermore, the bill delays the distribution of unencumbered funds from the Temporary Groundwater and Irrigation Efficiency Projects Fund to contributors from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2032, and extends the repeal of the fund from March 21, 2028, to March 31, 2033. These changes aim to provide continued support for water banking and irrigation efficiency initiatives in the Pinal AMA while ensuring that contributors receive their proportional share of the fund's resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-611, 45-615.01, 45-411.01, 48-4831
House Engrossed Version: 45-611, 45-615.01, 45-411.01, 48-4831