ARIZONA – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2016, extending the deadline for water users in the newly created Douglas Active Management Area (AMA) to submit their groundwater rights applications to the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
In addition, the Arizona government also announced appointments to the Douglas AMA Groundwater Users Advisory Council.
The intent of the project, is to secure rural groundwater supplies, including its push for rural groundwater reform legislation (HB 2857), reducing its administration of rates in the Douglas AMA, and protecting water supplies in the Butler Valley groundwater basin.
“From the day I took office I have made clear my commitment to support rural communities in managing their groundwater,” Hobbs said.
The governor noted that the legislation will give Douglas AMA water users more time to submit their water rights applications to ADWR, and she assured that local leaders who have volunteered to serve on the Groundwater Users Advisory Council will provide invaluable input as water conservation programs are developed for the basin.
The 1980 Groundwater Management Code established a five-member Groundwater Users Advisory Council, appointed by the Governor, for each initial and subsequent Active Management Area (AMA).
As Council members, Hobbs appointed Ron Bemis, Aaron Cardona, Joni Giacomino, Elise Moore, and Jackie Watkins, each with expertise in natural resource management and conservation, agriculture, public works, and academic research.
Members are appointed for six-year terms to represent groundwater users in their respective AMAs. Each Council provides advice and recommendations to ADWR on groundwater management programs and policies within the AMA.
