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HB 2985

CAP water; state land; allocation

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin

HB 2985 restructures Arizona's CAP water allocation framework for state lands, affecting water distribution to agriculture, municipalities, and state revenue streams during ongoing drought conditions.

Vetoed by Governor
0
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Bill Summary · HB 2985

Legislative bill overview

HB 2985 modifies Arizona's water allocation framework, specifically addressing Central Arizona Project (CAP) water rights and how water from state lands is distributed and managed. The bill appears to establish new protocols for allocating CAP water resources tied to state-managed properties, though specific statutory language details are limited in the available records.

Why is this important

Water rights in Arizona are economically and politically critical, as the state relies heavily on Colorado River allocations and CAP water for agriculture, municipal supplies, and growing urban populations. Changes to allocation mechanisms can significantly impact water availability for different regions, agricultural operations, and municipalities across the state, particularly as the Southwest faces ongoing drought conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural vs. urban water priorities – How CAP water from state lands is allocated between farming interests and growing municipalities could create regional or sectoral conflicts
  • State land revenue implications – Changing water allocation rules may affect how state lands generate revenue, impacting funds designated for schools and other state programs
  • Federalism and Colorado River compact issues – Any reallocation of CAP water must comply with interstate water compacts, potentially limiting Arizona's flexibility in changing internal allocation schemes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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