State legislators discuss possible water solutions with Rio Verde Foothills residents

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State legislators discuss possible water solutions with Rio Verde Foothills residents

January 30, 2023

Scottsdale, Arizona (3TV/CBS 5) – Over 100 people gathered at the Reigning Grace Ranch in the Rio Verde Foothills on Sunday afternoon. Alexander Collodin, Gail Griffin, Joseph Choprick, and Senator John Kavanagh attended a town hall meeting to discuss short- and long-term solutions to making water available to communities.

During the meeting, Sen. John Kavanaugh said he was ready to introduce legislation if the city of Scottsdale was not willing to help residents of the Rio Verde foothills. “The bill says all Scottsdale has to do is get it through, as they have been doing for years. And if Scottsdale residents run out of water for any reason, this deal will stop because Scottsdale residents will be treated first by Scottsdale,” said Senator Kavanagh.

It is said that it could take two to four weeks for the bill to pass the Capitol. If so, an emergency clause is slapped on it. That means the bill will become law immediately if Governor Katie Hobbs approves it.

This comes as the Rio Verde Foothills region awaits EPCOR, a Canadian water company, to receive approval from the Arizona State Business Commission (ACC) to become a water source. However, even if the ACC approves, he could be three years away from EPCOR going live.

Meanwhile, Rep. David Cook has developed a short-term plan to bring water from the Gila River Indian community and have it processed in Scottsdale. However, the plan requires Scottsdale City approval, a legislative vote, and permission from the Gila River Indian community. “Mayor David Ortega spit in front of Scottsdale residents like me. They believe what he is doing is cruel,” said Rep. Collodin. “That’s when we need to step in and say, ‘Look, city, you are the political division of the state. You are inferior to the state. If you abuse the powers we have given you, we can take steps to stop it.”

Resident Cody Lime said Rep. Corrodin and Rep. Griffin surveyed the community a week ago and didn’t like the way families struggled to survive. Community members said they are planning protests during the Super Bowl and Phoenix Open if they don’t help. Mayor David Ortega and city council members were invited to the meeting.

The city issued a statement ahead of city hall.

“The City recognizes the sudden urgency that elected representatives for the residents of the unincorporated Rio Verde Foothills are now working towards short- and long-term water solutions for its members. I appreciate it.

Residents of the Rio Verde Foothills have sued the City of Scottsdale over the matter, and city officials will not attend Sunday’s city hall meeting because the lawsuit has not yet been fully resolved.

Whether they were developed at Sunday’s town hall meeting or elsewhere, Scottsdale is the only municipality in Rio Verde with Maricopa County and Scottsdale’s compliance with the city’s mandated drought. We are prepared to discuss potential short-term and long-term solutions provided that we continue to do so. Management plans and residents of the City of Scottsdale will not be adversely affected. We thank the Arizona legislators for their support in advancing potential solutions. ”

Alderman Tammy Capti, however, was present. She was applauded by Rio Verde Foothills residents who attended the town hall meeting. Said he couldn’t comment.