Funding WIFA is vital to our continued prosperity

We cannot secure Arizona’s water future if our state lawmakers continue to raid the fund intended for that purpose. It is baffling that the Legislature is considering a budget that will divert dedicated resources from Arizona’s down payment for developing new water supplies. State leaders must find alternative solutions to build the state budget without compromising our water security – the foundation of everything we enjoy in Arizona. 

Three years ago, with much fanfare, state leaders pledged a historic $1 billion towards a fund that would finance long-term water augmentation projects under the newly restructured Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA). This public commitment demonstrated to residents and the rest of the country that Arizona was serious about its long-term water security.  As pledged, the state would make this $1 billion down payment in three $333 million installments in 2022, 2023, and 2024. However, instead of staying true to their word, state leaders have repeatedly swept money from these installments for pet projects or other state agencies. The once promised $1 billion is now less than half that amount. And the Legislature is now considering diverting $73 million from WIFA’s fund again this year.

If state leaders want to continue to see more homes built and Arizona’s economy prosper, the state needs to remain committed to investing in developing new water supplies. If municipalities and tribes are expected to accept cuts to their Colorado River water, state leaders need to show support in finding supplies to backfill the water needs of existing residents. If the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD)  is to have sufficient water supplies to replace the groundwater pumped under the Ag-to-Urban Program, modifying its statutes alone will not provide that water. The only long-term solution for our water challenges is to develop new water supplies.  

As with everything related to water rights acquisition and infrastructure construction, the cost today will always be less than the cost tomorrow. WIFA is in the process of soliciting and reviewing credible, professional augmentation projects. Delaying this solicitation by depleting WIFA’s fund undermines confidence, disrupts planning, and risks losing serious partners who are ready to commit to securing Arizona’s future supply.  

The hypocrisy of this proposed sweep of millions from Arizona’s water future is that the Legislature just affirmed that past sweeps from WIFA’s fund should be reversed.  

Having water available every minute of every day does not just magically happen, especially here in the desert. Our economic success and well-being rest on a solid foundation of sound water management, years of planning, and billions of dollars in investments in water resources and infrastructure. Water is a long-term game that has provided Arizona with huge returns. Water security can never be taken for granted, as it is an ongoing effort.  

Whether new supplies come from raising Bartlett Dam on the Verde River, stretching water supplies further through Advanced Water Purification, or finding water sources outside of Arizona, any new supply and the necessary infrastructure to make it available to residents will not be a cheap endeavor and will require a resolute financial commitment. The longer we wait, the greater the cost and risk to our water security will be.  

Now is the time for the Governor and Legislature to stop wandering away from the road to water security. The state's residents and businesses deserve assurances that the promises made for a more secure future will be promises kept.

For 56 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities' ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .