spot_imgspot_img

Water Infrastructure Finance Authority criticizes Hobbs’ budget proposal

(The Center Square) – Arizona’s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority is not pleased with Gov. Katie Hobbs’ budget proposal.

The proposal suggests $33 million for the state’s Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund, as documents from the government’s office suggest that it would “continue investments in long-term water supply development initiatives for the state.”

Water augmentation has to do with protecting and enhancing water resources to help consumers, according to Arizona State University.

However, WIFA expressed its concern with the amount proposed, which was lower than it anticipated, and is asking the legislature to shoot it down. WIFA is defined as “an independent state authority” that helps decide funding for water-related projects in Arizona, according to its website.

“Arizona committed to investing $1 billion in long-term water augmentation through WIFA over three years. The [executive] budget fails to meet that commitment. Instead, it cuts the promised appropriation by 90%,” WIFA posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

“WIFA made significant progress toward our long-term augmentation mission in 2023. We hired a well-respected engineering firm as consultants. We conducted a needs assessment with Arizona water users. We issued an RFI that received 28 unique responses,” the thread continued. “The process for finding new water will not be easy, and, to do it right, it cannot be fast. But that doesn’t mean it is not worthwhile.”

The authority also stated that it was disappointed with the governor not proposing more money for “conservation grants.”

“Moreover, the Governor failed to grant our request for additional funds for conservation grants. In 2023, WIFA awarded $106M in grants expected to save 2.7-4.7M AF of water. Grants have been awarded in every county, for projects ranging from ag efficiency to turf removal, the post stated.

“In her SOTS address, [Hobbs] said that ongoing drought will require “expanding public-private partnerships, increasing conservation, exploring new technologies.” But her Executive Budget slashes funding to the agency designed to focus on those very areas,” the thread added.

Water investment figures were just one of several proposals facing scorn in the governor’s budget plan. Republican lawmakers, who hold the legislative majority, already suggested it’s going to be a long road ahead for the governor’s budget negotiations.

“These elements in her proposal are dead on arrival with the Republican Majority,” Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh said in a statement on Friday, The Center Square reported. “Her grandstanding of bipartisanship during her State of the State Address is a far cry from the reality of this budget proposal, as her funding cuts strictly target Republican priorities.”

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Wisconsin making tests easier to pass is a big problem for students

Setting passing scores on state assessments might seem like...

Washington’s highest-in-nation minimum wage to go up to $16.66 an hour in 2025

(The Center Square) – Washington’s minimum wage – already...

Aid pours into North Carolina; dozens still missing

(The Center Square) – Tragic stories continue to flow...

Tampa Bay area braces from strike from major Hurricane Milton

(The Center Square) – Florida's Tampa Bay area could...

Bill eases prescribing rules for psychiatric drugs

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvanians and professionals in the...

Yost pressing ahead with busing lawsuit against Columbus schools

(The Center Square) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost...

Biden DOJ weighs in on New York City lawsuit over policing laws

(The Center Square) — The Biden administration is siding...

Report: Shreveport lacks adequate financial controls, misappropriates funds

(The Center Square) — The city of Shreveport had...

More like this
Related

Wisconsin making tests easier to pass is a big problem for students

Setting passing scores on state assessments might seem like...

Washington’s highest-in-nation minimum wage to go up to $16.66 an hour in 2025

(The Center Square) – Washington’s minimum wage – already...

Aid pours into North Carolina; dozens still missing

(The Center Square) – Tragic stories continue to flow...

Tampa Bay area braces from strike from major Hurricane Milton

(The Center Square) – Florida's Tampa Bay area could...