"There is no greater responsibility as an elected official than to assure our communities of adequate water supplies in the future," stated Prescott City Councilman, Bob Roecker, providing focus for Tuesday's meeting.
Prescott and Prescott Valley created a partnership in December 2004 with the mission of importing water from the Big Chino sub-basin located northwest of Paulden. This effort was initiated pursuant to authority granted in Arizona Revised Statute 45-555, which authorizes Prescott and Prescott-area municipalities to import water from the Big Chino.
Since that time, the two communities have spent over $35 million to purchase the 4,500-acre Big Chino Water Ranch, conduct local hydrologic investigations, design a pipeline (including pumping stations), and acquire easements.
In their first joint meeting, the respective councils heard presentations and updates by a series of state water experts and staff on topics ranging from engineering design to water and importation rights.
"In 1980, the Arizona Legislature passed the Groundwater Management Act which imposes stiff water use regulations in several key regions of the state, including the Prescott Active Management Area," observed Rita Maguire, a founding partner of Maguire & Pearce and former director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
McGuire also noted that Phoenix and Tucson are served by large federal reclamation projects which import water into central Arizona, adding "The Prescott-area communities did not have access to other water resources to help them reduce their groundwater dependency and meet the new regulations. The legislature provided some relief in 1991 when it passed A.R.S. 45-555."
Project construction financing alternatives were addressed by Prescott's City Manager, Steve Norwood and Prescott Valley's Town Manager, Larry Tarkowski. They explained that the communities plan to jointly explore various options for financing the pipeline, including traditional bond financing and a public-private partnership.
“As decision makers, we appreciate having options available to us, especially options that combine sound planning with fiscal responsibility to the residents in our communities,” said Prescott Valley Mayor, Harvey Skoog, echoing a sentiment shared by all members of the joint council session.
Potential impacts to the Upper Verde River from the proposed groundwater pumping activities in the Big Chino Sub-basin have been a concern for both communities and conservation groups.
"The communities have spent millions of dollars to avoid impact to the Upper Verde River by moving the pumping site to the Big Chino Water Ranch," said the Town's Water Resource Manager, John Munderloh. "This location is 20 miles away from the springs that contribute to the dry-season flow in the Upper Verde.”
Munderloh added historical perspective saying, “Farmers have pumped groundwater from the Big Chino Water Ranch area for nearly 70 years without impacting the Verde River or causing notable declines in the local groundwater table.”
Prior to adjourning the session, and referring to the solid groundwork that has been established for the project, City of Prescott Mayor, Jack Wilson said to the standing room only audience, "We are going to move forward."
Press inquiries may be directed to Kim Kapin at 928 777-1362. To download a copy of the Joint Council Study Session presentation, visit the City of Prescott's home page at www.cityofprescott.net.