Assigned to NREW AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1257
water resources; assistant director
Purpose
Establishes the role of the Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Water
Resources (ADWR) and outlines the duties of the Assistant Director.
Background
The Director of ADWR is charged with administering laws relating to groundwater,
contracting with departments on surface and ground water plans within Arizona and formulating
plans and programs for the development, management, conservation and use of Arizona waters
(A.R.S. § 45-105).
The Director of ADWR may establish and organize divisions within ADWR to make the
operation of the ADWR efficient and effective. The Director of ADWR may appoint a Deputy
Director to each division or organizational unit (A.R.S. § 45-104).
The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) is a corporate and political body that
may issue: 1) negotiable water quality bonds; and 2) water supply development bonds for the
purpose of providing financial assistance to eligible entities for water supply development
purposes. WIFA may provide financial assistance: 1) to political subdivisions and Indian tribes
from monies in the Clean Water Revolving Fund to finance wastewater treatment projects; 2) to
drinking water facilities from monies in the Drinking Water Revolving Fund to finance these
facilities; and 3) from monies in the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund to finance water
supply development (A.R.S. § 49-1203).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Directs the Director of ADWR to appoint an Assistant Director whose exclusive duties are
coordinating with WIFA and water users regarding projects that will:
a) augment water supplies through importation of water to Arizona from outside Arizona;
b) projects that will increase Arizona’s in-state water storage capacity, including by
constructing and improving dams;
c) address Arizona's water issues with other Colorado River water users; and
d) coordinate with federal, state and local government officials for these purposes.
2. Requires the Assistant Director to serve at the pleasure of the Director of ADWR. FACT SHEET – Amended
S.B. 1257
Page 2
3. Entitles the Assistant Director to prescribed compensation
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments passed by Committee
• Adds to the duties of the Assistant Director of ADWR.
Senate Action
NREW 2/9/23 DPA 5-2-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2023
RA/slp