Ruben Gallego Statement on Arizona’s Pending Drought Contingency Plan
WASHINGTON, DC – Today Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) issued the following statement regarding Arizona's pending approval of the Drought Contingency Plan, part of a larger inter-state effort to manage use of Colorado River water. The Federal Bureau of Reclamation has stated that if the state fails to reach an agreement by January 31, 2019, it will impose its own water management plan on the site.
"With the deadline for an agreement looming, I urge Arizona lawmakers to advance the state's drought contingency implementation plan, which will both meet the needs of our diverse stakeholders and help ensure sustainable access for future generations. Our state's tribes, municipalities, farmers, environment, and economic future depend on it," Gallego said. "We can learn from the stakeholder process and build on this bipartisan effort to conserve and protect Arizona's water supply. I will work with the Governor's office and stakeholders to ensure the federal government recognizes the importance of this cooperation."