Bill > HB2776

This bill establishes a Rural Watershed Sustainability Initiative Fund to provide financial support for local watershed groups in rural areas of Arizona. The fund will be administered by the state Department of Water Resources and can receive legislative appropriations, federal monies, and private grants. Each year, the department can use up to 15% of the fund's money for administrative purposes, including hiring additional staff. The fund will provide grants to local watershed groups to cover administrative and operational needs such as staff training, budgeting software, technology, staff salaries, grant application fees, and contracting fees. Existing watershed groups are eligible to apply, with preference given to those with clearly defined water conservation goals and those located in high-risk or critically depleted groundwater basins. The department is required to develop rules for grant application, disbursement, and reporting, and must submit an annual report to state leadership by December 1st each year. For the fiscal year 2025-2026, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund to this initiative. The legislature justifies this bill by noting that a lack of funding is a significant barrier for local watershed groups in conducting water conservation and drought resilience work.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83240