Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council Advocates For Feasibility Study In Washington, D.C.

August, 2007—Flagstaff, AZ – Representatives of the Coconino Plateau  Water Advisory Council (CPWAC) recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the authorization of a feasibility study to address the future needs on the Colorado Plateau. The advocacy group included representatives from Coconino County, City of Flagstaff, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Arizona Department of Water Resources, and The Nature Conservancy.

CPWAC has forwarded a legislative proposal to authorize a feasibility study based on the alternatives presented in the North Central Arizona Water Supply Study. The goal of the feasibility study is to conduct a detailed investigation of water supply alternatives designed to meet the future needs on the Coconino Plateau. 

“The main focus of the trip was to communicate our regional and collaborative approach to identifying possible solutions to our water needs,” said Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta, CPWAC Chairman.  “Many interests and entities have collaborated on this effort and we were very pleased with the reception we received on Capitol Hill.”  CPWAC representatives met with the Bureau of Reclamation, Senator Jon Kyl, and Congressmen Harry Mitchell, Rick Renzi and Congressman Ed Pastor. The group also met with staff from the offices of Senator John McCain, Congressmen John Shadegg, Trent Franks and Jeff Flake, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the House Water and Power Subcommittee.

“We all recognize the need for this study to identify preferred water supply alternatives for the Coconino Plateau,” said Joelynn Roberson, CPWAC Vice-Chairman and a representative of the Hopi Tribe. “The North Central Arizona Water Supply Study, at the feasibility level, will assist entities in Northern Arizona, including tribal communities, in their future planning
efforts.”  For more information, call Supervisor Archuleta at (928) 779-6578 or toll free (800) 559-9289.