Pinal County farmers make another plea for $20M from state to drill wells
PHOENIX — Insisting the state made a commitment, a central Arizona lawmaker and farmers he represents are making a last-ditch pitch for $20 million from taxpayers to drill new wells and water delivery canals.
Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, said Thursday the farmers in Pinal County agreed to give up their right to Colorado River water to help the state come up with a plan to deal with the drought. In exchange they were given the right to take additional water out of the ground.
That deal included $9 million from the state to cover the costs. And the farmers through their irrigation districts have come up with another $30 million.
But Cook said the project will exceed $50 million. And while the farmers hope to get the balance from a federal grant, that remains an open question at Congress.
Read more: https://tucson.com/news/local/pinal-county-farmers-make-another-plea-for-m-from-state/article_580dc692-0ae2-5a53-9d8b-58d7d248aed8.html