Arizona Governor Pledges $1 Billion to Water Infrastructure

The billion-dollar investment in the state's water supplies sounds good on paper, but lawmakers must also distribute funding effectively to mitigate the state's urgent water shortage.

2 minute read

January 14, 2022, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Irrigiation Channel

Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

An op-ed by Joanna Allhands argues that Arizona governor Doug Ducey's recent proposal to commit $1 billion to water projects won't be enough to solve the state's water woes. The governor's vague pledge, Allhands writes, leaves many unanswered questions about how the funds will be distributed.

Allhands also suggests that the governor's proposal doesn't bring enough attention to conservation, rather choosing to focus on projects that seek to augment water supplies. "If we only focus on finding new water, it leaves little incentive to use the water we have more wisely – something we could do quicker and, in most cases, at far lower cost."

According to Allhands, many of the more glamorous projects like desalination plants depend on other parties and are years away from completion. Meanwhile, the state could "raid" the general fund and deplete the water funding before it's allocated to specific projects.

Allhands cautions that lawmakers shouldn't forget about the policy side of things, even though those might be more difficult conversations. State leaders must tackle "not only how we sustain the uses that are already here, but also how we grow and where and (importantly) who pays for all of this."

Southwestern states are facing increasingly dire drought conditions. Last summer, when Lake Mead reached historic lows not seen since the reservoir's construction, the federal government declared a water shortage and implemented cutbacks for farmers and water agencies across the region.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022 in azcentral

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

May 14 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive