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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
VETOED
water resources; assistant director
Purpose
Establishes the role of the Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and outlines the duties of the Assistant Director.
Background
The Director of ADWR is charged with administering laws relating to groundwater, contracting with departments on surface and ground water plans within Arizona and formulating plans and programs for the development, management, conservation and use of Arizona waters (A.R.S. § 45-105).
The Director of ADWR may establish and organize divisions within ADWR to make the operation of the ADWR efficient and effective. The Director of ADWR may appoint a Deputy Director to each division or organizational unit (A.R.S. § 45-104).
The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) is a corporate and political body that may issue: 1) negotiable water quality bonds; and 2) water supply development bonds for the purpose of providing financial assistance to eligible entities for water supply development purposes. WIFA may provide financial assistance: 1) to political subdivisions and Indian tribes from monies in the Clean Water Revolving Fund to finance wastewater treatment projects; 2) to drinking water facilities from monies in the Drinking Water Revolving Fund to finance these facilities; and 3) from monies in the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund to finance water supply development (A.R.S. § 49-1203).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Directs the Director of ADWR to appoint an Assistant Director whose exclusive duties are coordinating with WIFA and water users regarding projects that will:
a) augment water supplies through importation of water to Arizona from outside Arizona;
b) projects that will increase Arizona’s in-state water storage capacity, including by constructing and improving dams; and
c) coordinate with federal, state and local government officials for these purposes.
2. Requires the Assistant Director to serve at the pleasure of the Director of ADWR.
3. Entitles the Assistant Director to prescribed compensation
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Adds to the duties of the Assistant Director of ADWR.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
· Removes the requirement for the Assistant Director of ADWR to address Arizona's water issues with other Colorado River water users.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicates in her veto message that S.B. 1257 creates an unnecessary statutory mandate for ADWR to hire for a role that can already be satisfied by existing ADWR Staff.
Senate Action House Action
NREW 2/9/23 DPA 5-2-0 NREW 3/13/23 DP 6-4-0-0
3rd Read 2/21/23 16-13-1 3rd Read 3/29/23 31-26-3
Vetoed by the Governor 4/10/23
Prepared by Senate Research
April 10, 2023
RA/slp