Committee backs extension of groundwater fee exemptions and fund deadlines for Pinal AMA

Senate Bill 14-47, which extends exemptions from the groundwater withdrawal fee for water-banking purposes in the Pinal Active Management Area and delays deadlines for distribution and repeal of a related fund, was returned with a due‑pass recommendation by the committee.

Russell Smolden, speaking for irrigation districts and municipal power users, said the measure allows local agricultural interests to continue financing infrastructure projects and estimated the program raises about $1.2 million per year from users in the canal county area. He called the extension important given uncertainty on Colorado River supplies.

The bill was reported favorably by voice; the clerk recorded a committee vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 1 present and 1 absent.

What it means: The extension gives Pinal County irrigation districts and other fund contributors additional time and fee authority to finance recharge, irrigation efficiency and related projects intended to support local agriculture through a period of Colorado River uncertainty.