SB1257

THE CONTEXT: ADWR ADWR was established in 1980 to be responsible for water planning and regulation of all state waters ( Laws 1980, 4th Special Session, Chapter 1 ). The ADWR Director has general control and supervision of surface water and groundwater to the extent allowed by statute ( A.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would require the ADWR Director to appoint an Assistant Director who is responsible exclusively for coordinating with WIFA and water users to work on projects that will: a) augment water supplies through importation of water from outside the state; b) increase in-state water storage capacity through measures including construction and improvement of dams; and c) collaborate with federal, state and local government officials and make technical and conforming changes.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for water resources into an enforceable rule. It would require the ADWR Director to appoint an Assistant Director who is responsible exclusively for coordinating with WIFA and water users to work on projects that will: a) augment water supplies through importation of water from outside the state; b) increase in-state water storage capacity through measures including construction and improvement of dams; and c) collaborate with federal, state and local government officials, and would also make technical and conforming changes, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.