Mesa: ICYMI: Mayor Freeman and other Arizona mayors unite to form the Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline

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~ At the annual Arizona League of Cities and Towns conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, a group of mayors from across the state announced the formation of the Coalition for Protecting Arizona's Lifeline. This nonpartisan alliance is dedicated to advocating for Arizona's allocation of Colorado River water and Central Arizona Project (CAP).

The Coalition is made up of trusted local leaders from cities served by CAP, a 336-mile-long aqueduct that delivers Colorado River water to Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. As the largest water delivery system in the state, CAP supplies water to millions of Arizonans.

"We are grateful to these mayors for leading at this critical time for Arizona," said Brenda Burman, general manager of Central Arizona Project. "The Coalition represents many diverse desert communities that have one thing in common - they are water smart. These cities have shown that it's possible to conserve water while fostering resilient economies and creating communities people are proud to call home."

The impetus for the Coalition came from discussions with municipalities regarding water security and was championed by four mayors across the state: City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, City of Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, and City of Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor.

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"Here in Phoenix and across the state, we rely on the Colorado River. Our cities depend on this water to sustain our communities, grow our economies and protect our future," said Mayor Gallego.

Mayor Romero echoed this sentiment, stating that "any dramatic reduction or reallocation of Colorado River water that CAP delivers to its users would have significant negative implications for our total quality of life, economy and the security of our country."

Mayor Freeman highlighted Arizona's track record on water stewardship, stating that "today, we use less water per capita than ever before, even as our population has surpassed seven million." He emphasized that smart water management and economic growth can go hand in hand.

Mayor Sartor emphasized the urgency of protecting Arizona's lifeline, stating that "we must act now to protect Arizona's lifeline. Together, our voices are stronger, our message is clearer and our commitment is unwavering."

The Colorado River sustains more than 40 million people across the Southwest and is shared by seven U.S. states - the Upper Basin (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming) and the Lower Basin (Arizona, California, Nevada) - as well as Mexico. The Colorado River Basin is also home to 30 tribal communities.

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Arizona and the Lower Basin states have consistently brought forward collaborative, science-based solutions to proactively protect the Colorado River system. Communities across Arizona have pioneered conservation programs, water reuse projects and efficient irrigation technologies to become models of responsible and smart water management.

"Central Arizona's share of the Colorado River is foundational to our water planning, land use decisions, economic security and national defense," said CAWCD Board President Terry Goddard. "We thank these mayors for coming together in the Coalition for Protecting Arizona's Lifeline to advocate for our water future."

To learn more about the Coalition and sign up for updates visit ProtectingArizonasLifeline.com. As the threat of prolonged drought and overallocation looms over the Colorado River system, this nonpartisan alliance of mayors from across Arizona will continue to collaborate and advocate for the protection of this vital resource that sustains their communities.

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