A plan to sell water intended for agricultural uses to help fuel the development of a city on the edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area has inspired new state legislation.
"A company’s proposal to take water from farmland along the Colorado River and sell it to a growing Phoenix suburb has provoked a heated debate, and some Arizona legislators are trying to block the deal with a bill that would prohibit the transfer," reports Ian James.
"The legislation introduced by Rep. Regina Cobb would bar landowners who hold 'fourth-priority' water entitlements from transferring Colorado River water away from communities near the river," explains James.
The bill, HB 2405, is intended to protect the interests of rural agricultural communities. Cobb represents La Paz County, which includes the small farming community of Cibola, "where the company GSC Farm LLC has proposed to stop irrigating its farmland and sell the water to Queen Creek," according to James. More details on the Queen Creek deal are included in the article. Queen Creek, with a population of about 26,000 in 2010, is one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona.
FULL STORY: Bill would block transfers of Colorado River water from rural areas to growing cities
A Development Showdown Over Water in Rural Arizona
The battle for the future of Colorado River water, and whether it will be used for agriculture or new development, continues in Arizona.
Nebraska, Colorado Square Off in Fight Over South Platte River Water
Billions of dollars of water development are at stake as Colorado and Nebraska battle for control of more South Platter River water.
Arizona Water Rights No Longer 'Use it or Lose it'
A bill approved with bipartisan support by the Arizona State Legislature offers new incentives for water conservation.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions