Cook makes plea for Pinal irrigation money to be in state budget
Eloy cotton farmer Tiffany Shedd puts in a plug for an effort by Rep. David Cook, left, to secure $20 million from the state to help Pinal County farmers drill new wells to replace Colorado River water, Thursday during a press conference at the Capitol in Phoenix.
Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services
Insisting the state made a “commitment,” a central Arizona lawmaker and farmers he represents are making a last-ditch pitch for $20 million in taxpayer dollars to drill new wells and water delivery canals.
Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, said Thursday the farmers in Pinal County agreed to give up their right to Colorado River water to help the state come up with a plan to deal with the drought. In exchange they were given the right to take additional water out of the ground.
That deal included $9 million from the state to cover the costs. And the farmers through their irrigation districts have come up with another $30 million.
