July 2007
SAHBA Proposes Water Authority Initiative
The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, in its bid to be part of the solution and not part of the problem, proposed the creation of a Pima County Regional Water Authority to Town Hall. The most significant issue today, and in the future, is water. Where it comes from? How it is used? How to conserve and manage it?
Unless the water-providing community comes together, too much of this precious resource will be mismanaged. The following initiative has the overwhelming endorsement of the SAHBA Executive Committee. We urge serious consideration of this proposal.
Purpose
The Pima County Regional Water Authority is formed by an Intergovernmental Agreement entered into by Pima County, City of Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Flowing Wells Irrigation District and the Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District.
The Authority will:
Seek new renewable water sources for Pima County
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Negotiate with Indian tribes for purchase and/or lease of additional water resources
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Assure that wastewater effluent utilization is maximized within Pima County
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Serve as the wholesale agency for distribution of new water supplies to member entities
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Provide a united front for state and federal government legislation and administration
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Provide a funding mechanism for regional water and wastewater facilities
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Develop water and wastewater incentives for conservation
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Develop a Capital Improvement Plan for the region's water and wastewater facilities
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Develop water and wastewater programs to support riparian areas
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Contract with other government agencies, and Indian tribes for water resources and joint development of water and wastewater facilities
Governance
The Pima County Regional Water Authority shall be governed by a nine member Board of Directors. Each of the member governments shall appoint a member of its governing body to the Authority Board. One non-elected official will be selected for a four-year term by the eight-member elected officials. The Board of Directors shall develop an annual budget for the Authority and employ staff as appropriate.
The governing boards of each member must approve any amendments to the agreement, as well as conservation plans, water management and effluent management plans, cost-sharing plans, and the addition of any new members.
Funding
Member governments shall appropriate funds annually for the general management expenses of the Regional Water Authority. Projects developed by the Regional Water Authority shall be allocated to member agencies based on benefit. In addition, a monthly assessment will be implemented on each water or wastewater monthly statement of member governments to provide funds for development of new water resources for the region.
Member Cooperation
The Pima County Regional Water Authority shall foster cooperative ventures among members to assure beneficial use of area water resources for all Pima County citizens.
Annual Report
The Regional Water Authority shall make an Annual Report to member entities on activites during the prior year.
Membership
Additional governmental members to the Pima County Regional Authority may be added with the unanimous approval of Board of Directors.
Non-Participation
In the event one of more prospective Pima County Regional Water Authority members chooses not to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement and not join with other governmental entities in this cooperative venture, then the Regional Water Authority will still be formed if at least six members sign on.
Details: Alex Jácome at (520) 795-5114 or alex@sahba.org.