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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
department of water resources; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) for eight years.
Background
Established in 1980 to manage Arizona’s water resources, statute designates ADWR as the steward of Arizona’s water future and charges ADWR with ensuring long-term, reliable water supplies to support the continued economic prosperity of Arizona. ADWR has various responsibilities related to groundwater regulation, surface water rights, state-wide water planning, dam safety and flood warning, and providing support to other entities.
The Senate Water and Agriculture Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on January 16, 2020, to consider ADWR's response to the sunset review factors and to receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Legislature continue ADWR for eight years (COR final report). ADWR terminates on July 1, 2020, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3020.10).
The FY 2021 baseline includes an ADWR operating budget of $10,407,700 and 145 full-time equivalent positions (Joint Legislative Budget Committee).
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2020, ADWR until July 1, 2028.
2. Repeals ADWR on January 1, 2029.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
House Action
NREW 2/4/20 DP 11-0-2
3rd Read 2/19/20 60-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 3, 2020
KN/CDT/gs