WIFA Invests $15 Million in Water Conservation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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[PAYSON, June 21, 2023] –The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) Board of Directors today voted to invest $15 million in water conservation for communities across Arizona.  

The eight grants approved today will fund programs or projects in seven Arizona counties. The grant activities include installation of advanced water meters, turf removal and replacement, and lining or piping irrigation ditches. Applicants estimate that these projects will save nearly 13,000 acre-feet of water per year.

The Water Conservation Grant Fund (WCGF) was created in 2022 with $200 million for grants to fund programs and projects that reduce water use in Arizona communities. In the first round of solicitations for the WCGF, WIFA received more than 65 applications requesting over $100 million in projects. WIFA will evaluate each of these proposals over the coming months. A second round of solicitations is currently open and will close on June 30, 2023.

Moreover, earlier this week, Governor Hobbs signed SB1390 which expanded WCGF eligibility to include tribal entities and private water systems. This strengthens WIFA’s ability to support conservation across the state, consistent with the original intent of the fund. WIFA is excited to see applications from newly eligible entities in current and future rounds of solicitations.  

About WIFA

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Arizona's present and future water supply through financial investments in effective augmentation, conservation, reuse, and water quality. WIFA is Arizona's administrator of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), providing low-interest loans and technical assistance to water and clean water infrastructure projects, as well as three new funds aimed at conserving water and identifying new supplies. Over the last 30 years, WIFA has proudly invested almost $3 billion in communities throughout Arizona driving sustainable solutions and helping to secure Arizona’s water future. 

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