Board authorizes funding and commitments to enter into compensated conservation agreements for the 500+ Plan, designed to further benefit Lake Mead, beyond DCP reductions
The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors (CAWCD) convened on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 for its December 2021 Board meeting. CAWCD Board President Terry Goddard called the meeting to order. Face coverings were required for all attending. The public was also invited to provide public comment by filing a hard copy or online “Blue Card.”
Natural Resources Policy Advisor Buchanan Davis, of the Arizona Governor’s Office, addressed the Board in support of the 500+ Plan elements on the Board agenda. The 500+ Plan is designed for the Lower Colorado River Basin states and the United States to conserve an additional 500,000 acre-feet or more per year to benefit Lake Mead beyond DCP reductions. After a presentation and discussion regarding the 500+ Plan, the Board authorized $5 million in additional spending authority in each year 2022 and 2023 to be funded from the Extraordinary Cost Reserve, as well as using $5 million of funds from the Water Storage Account reserved for operating expenses to apply to 2022 Fixed Operations Maintenance & Replacement. Additionally, the Board authorized CAP General Manager Ted Cooke to execute letters of intent to enter into compensated conservation agreements with Colorado River Indian Tribes, Mohave Valley Irrigation and Drainage District, Wellton Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District, Yuma Mesa Irrigation and Drainage District and other CAP water users.
In a separate action, the Board also approved a Cost Share Agreement for the Feasibility Study of Bartlett Dam modification alternatives.
After a presentation regarding the Public Policy Committee, the Board approved the proposed 2022 state and federal legislative agendas. Following a presentation by the CAGRD and Underground Storage Committee, the Board approved the revised CAGRD Water Supply Program Principles, as well as Guiding Principles regarding the Post-2025 AMA Committee issues.
On the consent agenda, the Board approved:
- Contract for design and pre-construction services for the Electromechanical Relay Replacement Project Phase 2 at Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant
- Enterprise storage system replacement
- Water Storage Agreements for the Town of Cave Creek at Tonopah Desert Recharge Project, Hieroglyphic Mountains Recharge Project, Agua Fria Recharge Project, Managed and Agua Fria Recharge Project
Finally, the Board heard a presentation on recovery planning and implementation, in anticipation of Recovery Capacity Agreements that may come before the Board in January 2022.
The CAWCD Board of Directors is a popularly elected, 15-member board. Ten members are from Maricopa County, four from Pima County and one from Pinal. Members serve six-year, unpaid terms. The board typically meets publicly the first Thursday of each month to establish policy and set rates and taxes for CAP.
For additional details on the December board meeting, take a look at the agenda and packet. Board minutes and video will be posted on this page, as well.
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Central Arizona Project (CAP) is Arizona’s single largest resource for renewable water supplies. More than 80% of the state’s population, live in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties, where CAP water is delivered. It is a 336-mile long system of aqueducts, tunnels, pumping plants and pipelines. www.CentralArizonaProject.com
