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Department of Water Resources FundingOn Monday, March 5, the House passed HB 2493 (department of water resources; funding) by a vote of 58-0. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Russ Jones (R-Yuma), establishes a joint legislative study committee to determine alternative funding mechanisms for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Furthermore, it repeals the statutory authority of ADWR to impose an assessment on municipalities in two years.The specific charge of the committee established by the bill is to, "study and consider user fees, formulas for renewal fees, formulas for user fees and governance models in determining an ongoing funding source for the department of water resources." During consideration of the measure in the Committee of the Whole, an amendment was adopted to accelerate the deadline for issuance of a statutorily required report by one year, to June 30, 2012. The League is neutral on the bill, preferring the approach of SB 1288 (municipal water fees; repeal; appropriation). That legislation repeals the ADWR assessment authority immediately upon the bill's effective date and provides for funding of the agency through the State's general fund. HB 2493 is scheduled for consideration by the Senate Committee on Water, Land Use and Rural Development on Wednesday, March 14. Conversely, SB 1288 will be heard by the House Committee on Agriculture and Water on Thursday, March 15. |
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Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Forward your comments or suggestions to league@azleague.org. |
