(The Center Square) – The Arizona House is taking up the so-called “Ag to Urban bill.”
The Senate approved the bipartisan measure Thursday. Also known as Senate Bill 1611, the measure provides what Senate Natural Resources Chair Thomas “T.J.” Shope calls solutions to Arizona’s most pressing issues: groundwater protection and skyrocketing home prices due to low supply.
Under the bill, farmers would be allowed to sell their land and water rights to developers who will in turn build for-sale housing to meet the needs of Arizona’s growing population.
In a press release, Shope, who’s also the Senate president pro tempore, called this “the most consequential piece of groundwater legislation” in decades.
“An analysis of the Ag-to-Urban program by the Arizona Department of Water Resources reveals our state will save 9.6-million-acre feet of water over the next 100 years,” said the Republican senator.
According to the senator, that is the equivalent of having water from 14 Lake Pleasants stored underground.
“The Ag-to-Urban program is a win-win for farmers who are ready to retire but still want to capitalize on their land and for Arizona families looking to obtain their American dream through homeownership,” said Shope. “It’s now up to the House to get this bill to the governor’s desk.”
The bill has the support from Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chairman Stephen Miller. In the same press release as Shope, Miller said he was “thrilled” to see this bill pass the Senate.
“This bill addresses critical water challenges that have long impacted our communities, farmers, and future growth,” said Miller.
Jadee Rohner, executive director of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association, agreed. Rohner called this “a voluntary and well-balanced framework” that respects agriculture and while allowing for thoughtful urban growth.
“By enabling water to be used more efficiently as land use changes, the bill helps ensure long-term sustainability without undermining Arizona’s agricultural legacy,” said Rohner.
