Proposal Would Restore Grandfathered Water Rights to Farmland
By Philip Bashaw, Arizona Farm Bureau
The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) recently proposed amending their assured water supply rules to restore grandfathered irrigation water rights to farmland that was retired in the years of 2005, 2006 and 2007. According to the proposed rule, lands that previously had irrigation water rights and remain capable of being irrigated can apply for restoration of grandfathered irrigation water rights.
Quite a bit of farmland was retired during the boom years of real estate prices in anticipation the land would be developed. Since the downturn in the economy much of that development has slowed which has left these lands without the needed water rights to return to farming, but no market for development either. These lands currently sit vacant and are causing other issues with public health and nuisances within the communities where they are located. Weed buildup and dust blowing off of the vacant lands prompted the farming and developing communities to request ADWR address these rules to allow this land to return to a productive use.
“We applaud ADWR’s efforts in developing this proposed amendment,” says Arizona Farm Bureau President Kevin Rogers. “Allowing vacant land to return to agricultural production will help with our economic recovery and mitigate dust and nuisances associated with undeveloped vacant lands.”
The proposed amendments now head to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council before becoming final. ADWR expects that rule to be reviewed by GRRC in either mid September or early October. They have requested the rule become effective immediately on GRRC approval. If GRRC approves that request, ADWR may begin restoring grandfathered irrigation water rights to retired farmland as early as September or October.
For more information on the proposed rules please contact Philip Bashaw at philipbashaw@azfb.org or (480) 635-3614.
Special note: Arizona Farm Bureau supports its Arizona farmers and ranchers for sustainable farming in Arizona, both environmentally and economically.
Special note: Arizona Farm Bureau supports its Arizona farmers and ranchers for sustainable farming in Arizona, both environmentally and economically.
