STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water on Tuesday advanced House Concurrent Resolution 2016 (HCR2016), sponsored by State Representative Gail Griffin, Chairman of the committee. The resolution calls for the full reinstatement of funding for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s (WIFA) Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund as state budgetary conditions improve.

“In 2022, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority was expanded with a $1 billion commitment to secure and invest in new long-term water supplies for Arizona,” said Representative Griffin. “While recent budget shortfalls have impacted the program’s funding, this resolution underscores the Legislature’s commitment to fully reinstate WIFA funds when budget conditions improve, sending a clear message that water security is a top legislative priority.”

The Governor’s proposal, released on Friday, allocates no money for the WIFA Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund, the rural water supply development program, or the water conservation grant program, backtracking on the her prior commitments.

“When the Governor talks about securing Arizona’s water future, what she intends to do is take away individual rights and liberties,” said Representative Griffin. “As stated by the Governor and others, we are not out of water; Arizona is not out of water. We do, however, need to look at good water policy and build on the tools we have, like recharge, replenishment, and reuse, and take advantage of new technology.”

HCR2016 aligns with the 2025 House Majority Plan, which prioritizes securing long-term water supplies while protecting Arizonans’ rights and freedoms. Strategic investments in water resources are essential to sustaining the state’s economy, affordability, and quality of life.

“Securing our long-term water supply through fiscally responsible water investments is essential to unleashing economic opportunity in our state,” said Representative Griffin. “WIFA will soon be completing the competitive solicitation process that we entrusted them to complete, and this will give us access to all options on the table to make an investment in our state’s water future.”

By advancing this resolution, the House Committee reinforces Arizona’s leadership in fostering economic stability through smart, forward-looking water investments that do not impede on Arizonans’ right to put land, water, or natural resources to economic use for the benefit of their state, family, or local community.

“As Republicans, we will fight to preserve the American Dream in our state through the adoption of good water policy that does not infringe on your individual rights and liberties.”

The bill now advances to the Rules Committee for further review before proceeding to the full House. If adopted, it will reaffirm the Legislature’s leadership and commitment to investing in long-term water infrastructure projects that bring new water supplies to our state.

Gail Griffin is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 19, which includes areas of Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and eastern Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. Griffin chairs the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.