By Philip Haldiman | The Arizona Republic
Cave Creek is jumping at the chance for an allocation of Central Arizona Project water that is being made available to Arizona municipalities.
Utilities Manager Jessica Marlow said the town is applying to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for 1,300 acre-feet of Central Arizona Project water at a cost of $1,388 per acre-foot.
Marlow said the price is a good deal — an acre-foot can cost multiple thousands of dollars. The Department of Water Resources is expecting to get so many applications that most municipalities will probably get less than what they request, she said.
“We should take advantage of this opportunity now that we have it,” Marlow said. “There will be a rush of people applying for this water. If we get half of what we ask for, I’d be happy.”
Statement by Councilman-elect Adam Trenk, Rose Law Group attorney: “Water is obviously a critical resource, and any opportunity to secure more should be sought. However, if the state approves an allocation to Cave Creek, finding the funds to purchase this water might be a challenge.
“Our community is already more than $60 million in debt. 1,300 acre feet at $1,388 is $1.8million.