Arizona House approves $1 million for Colorado River litigation fund amid water-rights warnings

The Arizona House voted on Feb. 2 to appropriate $1,000,000 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund, passing House Bill 21 16 by a recorded announcement of 56 ayes, 0 nays and four not voting.

On the floor, Representative Collin argued the state's water resources are vital and said Arizona must be prepared to litigate to protect its share. "Arizona is one of the few states in the United States that has a history of going to war with another state...and the reason it was fought was water," Collin said in explaining his vote. He told members he would appropriate substantially more if necessary to protect the state's interests.

Representative De Los Santos characterized the fund as a bipartisan effort created in last year's budget and urged continued work to ensure Arizona's share of Colorado River water. "It's an incredibly important bipartisan fund to ensure that we protect our Colorado River water," De Los Santos said before voting aye.

The clerk recorded the passage and instructed that the action be conveyed to the Senate. Members who spoke in explanation of their votes included Collin, Martinez and De Los Santos; the final tally as read from the clerk was 56 ayes, 0 nays, and 4 not voting.

Next steps: The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration. The appropriation continues an authorization enacted in the prior budget cycle and was presented on the floor as a continuation of that fund.