Bowers withdraws controversial water bill
by HOWARD FISCHER | Capitol Media Services
House Speaker Rusty Bowers on Tuesday withdrew his legislation that would have repealed state laws on when farmers forfeit their water rights — legislation that the Gila River Indian Community said would cause it to withdraw from the multi-state drought contingency plan.
But it did nothing to finally get the tribe to sign the papers agreeing to provide Arizona with the 500,000 acre feet of water it needs to make the plan a reality.
After more than two hours of testimony Bowers concluded there may be legal problems with what he is trying to do. He said the measure needs to be recrafted.
