Arizona House Passes Bill to Fund Legal Defense for Colorado River Water Rights
The Arizona House of Representatives passed House Bill 2116 unanimously, aimed at bolstering the state's legal defense regarding Colorado River water rights. The bill, sponsored by Representative Gail Griffin, allocates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund, established in 2025.
This fund will support the Arizona Department of Water Resources in legal actions to safeguard the state's entitlement to Colorado River water. With ongoing negotiations among Basin states and potential delivery shortfalls, Arizona leaders emphasize the necessity of this fund to prepare for possible litigation to uphold interstate water compacts that are vital for the state's water supply across various sectors, including agriculture and industry.
