A bill by Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge would put $8M into a fund to pay for water infrastructure projects that contribute to job creation in Pinal County.
Under the proposed Senate Bill 1223, water services and businesses with more than 250 employees could apply for water infrastructure and commerce grant funds through the Arizona Commerce Authority for new water projects on a business’ property.
Lucid Motors officials say it would benefit their company and others and that the legislation continues an existing program for one year so the $8M funds do not lapse.
Opponents said the bill was rushed and specifically benefitted Pinal County, since Pinal is the only county in the state that fits the measure’s qualifying population parameters of between 400,000 and 1,000,000 residents. They also questioned giving state funds to help private industry access water supplies. Another point of contention was the routing of funds through the ACA rather than the Water Infrastructure Financing Authority, which is specifically charged with providing grants and loans for water infrastructure and conservation projects.
SB1223 passed the Senate on a party line vote and has gone to the House. House hearings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. (Source)