The Prescott City Council Water Issues Subcommittee has voted to recommend approval to the Council for a water request by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a 300-unit dormitory.
The University has requested 34 acre-feet of water for a two-building dormitory totaling 300 units.
Prescott’s water budget currently has an availability of 38.5 acre-feet. An appeal was necessary for the request to move forward, according to officials.
Two service agreements will be necessary to provide water for the two planned residence halls that will be located on the Embry-Riddle campus west of Willow Creek Road. The proposed allocation includes 28 acre-feet of water for the interiors and six acre-feet for exterior and landscaping uses.
The units are planned as one-bedroom spaces with individual bathrooms. University officials said the dorms will be set up as contained units, rather than in a traditional dormitory style with common bathroom and shower areas.
Embry-Riddle will have to demonstrate how the planned project benefits Prescott with components like job creation, economic development or other positive contributions to win approval of its request.
University representatives have already noted the project is necessary because of a lack of available affordable rental space in the community. Approximately half of the University’s 3,100 students currently live on campus.
The request will likely go before the full Council in its Dec. 10 meeting. (Source)
