President Donald Trump today signed legislation formalizing the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) — a crucial step toward full implementation of the agreement to conserve more water in the Colorado River system. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to adhere to the agreements previously adopted by the seven basin states, including Arizona.
“The Drought Contingency Plan is a monumental, bipartisan achievement,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. “Drought is by far one of the most pressing issues Arizona faces and now we’re one step closer to protecting our water supplies and securing Arizona’s water future. We’ve been able to move this plan forward by putting party labels aside and putting Arizona first. I’m grateful to Arizona’s congressional delegation for promptly introducing and passing legislation to implement the DCP.”
On January 31, 2019, Governor Ducey signed legislation authorizing Arizona’s participation in the Drought Contingency Plan, the most signficant water legislation in the state in 40 years. The plan, which allows Arizona to join six other western states and Mexico in signing onto an inter-state water agreement to conserve water in the Colorado River system, is the result of years of planning among stakeholders throughout the country.
In addition to signing the Drought Contingency Plan, Governor Ducey also issued an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Water Augmentation, Innovation and Conservation Council to focus on long-term water conservation and innovation. One meeting has already occurred, and members of the Council are discussing the issues that will be worked on in the coming months and years.
For more information on the Drought Contingency Plan, click HERE.
For DCP “By The Numbers,” click HERE.
