WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema wrote to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue to support a federal grant application that would benefit Pinal and Maricopa County producers during the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan implementation.
“Ensuring the Drought Contingency Plan is implemented provides certainty for Maricopa and Pinal Counties’ producers and secures Arizona’s water future,” said Sinema.
The grant would support the Central Arizona Regional Irrigation Efficiency and Conservation Project, an integral part of the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan and reduces adverse economic, environmental, and social effects in Maricopa and Pinal Counties. The project would supply irrigation water necessary to partially offset reductions and voluntary conservation of Colorado River water.
Earlier this month, Sinema wrote to U.S. Interior Secretary Bernhardt requesting an update on his Department’s work ensuring the long-term security of the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund.
Sinema was instrumental in getting the Drought Contingency Plan across the finish line earlier this year. The Drought Contingency Plan conserves thousands of acre feet of water in Lake Mead, secures Arizona’s Colorado River water supply, and benefits tribes, producers, cities, developers, and industries throughout Arizona.
During her time in the U.S. Senate, Sinema has worked to advance commonsense solutions to secure Arizona’s water future. Last month, Sinema introduced the DRIP Act, which equips communities in Arizona, and across the country, to address drought conditions and strengthen water supplies. Sinema also cosponsored the bipartisan Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act, which allows Arizona cities, tribes, and water providers access to critical funding to secure the state’s water future.
Read the full text of Sinema’s letter to Secretary Perdue HERE.
