By Noah Cullen | Pinal Central
CASA GRANDE — The long-awaited ag-to-urban program officially became effective on Sept. 26. So how will it work?
Farmers may apply to relinquish their irrigation rights — formally known by the Arizona Department of Water Resources as “irrigation grandfathered rights” — in exchange for savings credits. The idea is that these credits can then be used by developers to build housing, which simultaneously means a less-intensive water use over agriculture and encourages more housing supply.
Ben Bryce, special adviser to ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke, has spearheaded the department’s effort to make the program a reality. Senate Bill 1611, which led to the program, was sponsored by Pinal’s state Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, and had longtime lobbying support from Pinal County Supervisor Steve Miller of Casa Grande. It was signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs on June 30.
