December 12, 2007—Flagstaff, AZ – On November 5-6, representatives of the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council (CPWAC) traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Arizona’s Congressional Delegation and their staff.  The group provided the delegation with an update on CPWAC efforts to obtain congressional authorization for a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study to address future water needs on the Coconino Plateau. 

The advocacy group included representatives from Coconino County, City of Flagstaff, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation and Arizona Department of Water Resources. 

Some of the issues discussed included an updated feasibility study cost summary, a timeline for the study authorization, the effects of the Rural Water Supply Act and Regional Water Supply Act, and making the case for a federal 50/50 cost-share to cover the estimated $13 million cost of the feasibility study.

The feasibility study will examine in greater detail water supply alternatives identified in the North Central Arizona Water Supply Study.  The feasibility study will conduct a detailed investigation of water supply alternatives designed to meet future needs in the study area and will involve a full environmental impact study.

“The feasibility study will provide the basis for establishing firm project construction costs and will determine the overall scope of the project,” said CPWAC Vice Chair Joelynn Roberson.  “Eventual implementation of the project will help ensure Northern Arizona communities a reliable supply of water to meet future municipal and domestic needs.”

“We are pleased with the support we received from all members of the Arizona delegation,” said CPWAC Chair Liz Archuleta.  “The Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council is hopeful that Senator Jon Kyl will introduce legislation authorizing the feasibility study and that he will continue to provide leadership on this important regional issue.”

To view the full North Central Arizona Water Supply Study, visit  

http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/reports/ncawss/ncawss.html.  For more information about the CPWAC, visit www.cpwac.org. 

The CPWAC is an organization consisting of federal, state and local government entities with land and water use management responsibilities, and several public and private interests.  It was established to facilitate and implement sound water resource management and conservation strategies on the Coconino Plateau. 

For more information, call CPWAC Public Outreach Committee Chair Deb Hill 6696; or toll-free (800) 559-9289.