Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has allocated an additional $14 million to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) to support water conservation initiatives across the state. This new funding aims to enhance existing projects and address the growing demand for sustainable water management solutions. Since its inception, WIFA has already invested $200 million in 189 grants spanning all Arizona counties. One notable project involves transforming unused grass areas in Gilbert into water-efficient landscapes. Despite the high costs associated with these changes, the benefits in terms of water savings are significant. With this new influx of funds, more communities can now participate in vital conservation efforts, furthering Arizona's commitment to sustainable water practices.
Enhancing Water Efficiency through Innovative Projects
The town of Gilbert is leading by example with its ambitious plan to convert non-functional turf areas into water-saving landscapes. The initiative targets multiple sites where grass is rarely used, such as stormwater management zones. By replacing these areas with desert-friendly vegetation and rockscapes, the town aims to significantly reduce water consumption. Although the transformation comes at a considerable cost—estimated at $9 million for ten locations—the potential water savings make it a worthwhile investment. A recent grant from WIFA will cover up to half of these expenses, allowing Gilbert to proceed with its eco-friendly makeover.
Water conservation coordinator Jeremiah Churchill explained that these unused grassy areas serve no recreational purpose and consume large amounts of water. "By transitioning to desert landscapes, we can preserve precious water resources while maintaining functional green spaces," he noted. Laura Hixson, the town’s water resources manager, added that the only time these areas see foot traffic is during maintenance. The project exemplifies how innovative thinking can lead to substantial environmental benefits. With the help of WIFA’s funding, Gilbert is setting a precedent for other communities to follow suit in their water conservation efforts.
Expanding Support for Water Conservation Across Arizona
The additional $14 million from Governor Hobbs' office will bolster WIFA’s ability to fund more projects like the one in Gilbert. Previously, due to limited resources, many deserving applications had to be turned away. Now, with this new injection of capital, WIFA can expand its reach and support a wider range of initiatives aimed at conserving water. The organization has already achieved impressive results, saving 5.5 million acre-feet of water annually. This latest funding boost will enable them to increase these figures and demonstrate Arizona’s dedication to sustainable water management.
Chelsea McGuire from WIFA emphasized the importance of this additional funding in meeting the growing demand for conservation projects. "We’re excited to open up new application cycles soon and provide more communities with the resources they need," she said. The new funding will not only support existing projects but also encourage new ideas and innovations in water conservation. With the application process set to reopen in early February, Arizona is poised to take significant strides toward a more sustainable future. The state’s commitment to preserving water resources is clear, and this investment will play a crucial role in achieving long-term sustainability goals.