Several of Arizona’s major leading voices in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law met at the State Capitol today (April 6, 2023) to discuss plans to improve the state’s drought resilience infrastructure.
Among the attendees at the meeting today were Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis, House Representative Ruben Gallego, House Representative Greg Stanton, and White House Infrastructure Tsar Mitch Landrieu.
While Arizona, California, and much of the Southwest have enjoyed higher-than-expected rainfall this year, the need to adopt drought resiliency and conservation infrastructure efforts with regard to maintaining the Colorado River and other water sources is still essential to comfortably serving all the states and residents in the region.
The Gila River Indian Community will receive $233 million in drought relief funding.
Reacting to the event, Former New Orleans Mayor Landrieu posted on social media.
Through @POTUS' Investing in America agenda, we're making historic investments in clean water and drought resilience. Today, I was proud to announce up to $233M to help the Gila River Indian Community access the water they need to drink & grow their businesses. pic.twitter.com/n8tHnpMkUH
— Mitch Landrieu (@MitchLandrieu46) April 6, 2023
In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act include over $15 billion for drought resilience and water security– investments that make us stronger and less dependent on single sources of water.
— Mitch Landrieu (@MitchLandrieu46) April 6, 2023
Governor Hobbs posted:
Thank you to all the federal, state, and tribal leaders who came together today to announce historic investments in water conservation and infrastructure taking place here in Arizona.
Arizona is committed to moving forward with these and other efforts to create a stable and… pic.twitter.com/lcMFECOImr
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) April 7, 2023
Mayor Gallego relayed:
Securing our water supply is going to take a team effort. That’s why I’m grateful to have local and federal partners including those I joined today to announce how resources are being put to use to improve infrastructure and conserve water. pic.twitter.com/sHDsyQW9JQ
— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) April 7, 2023
Mayor Romero offered before the meeting today in her office’s press release:
“Tucson is ready to join with the Gila River Indian Community and other partners to help protect the Colorado River system. Tucson’s ethic as a national leader in water conservation has positioned us to lead in this historic effort. Under the authority from my members on the Council I am prepared to take this historic next step to support a sustainable and thriving community and protect Tucson’s economy into the future.”
She later posted on social media:
Great day for our people and
Arizona! We are ready to secure and protect our water future. @crimpima @GovernorHobbs @DepSecBeaudreau @MitchLandrieu46 pic.twitter.com/5j7cuung3x— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) April 6, 2023
In the same release, Governor Lewis stated:
“I am proud that Arizona as a whole is stepping up to the challenge of a dwindling Colorado River. Tucson has been a leader in system conservation for the benefit of the Colorado River system, and today is no different. Their commitment to the Lower Colorado System Conservation Program will lead to a foot of critical elevation in Lake Mead and I am so proud of our partnership in making commitments for the good of our state and our region.”
Representative and Senate Candidate Gallego posted:
As I’ve said time and time again, protecting Arizona’s water requires an all hands-on-deck strategy.
With coordination between Arizona’s Tribes and local and state officials, and with federal funding secured through the Inflation Reduction Act, we will solve our water crisis. pic.twitter.com/jDri5NfJZj
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) April 6, 2023
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