States, Cities and Counties
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Featured Stories
Wis. DNR Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Southwest Savanna Regional Master Plan Variance for Yellowstone Wildlife Area Trail Designation and Improvements
MADISON, Wisconsin, Jan. 9 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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DNR Seeking Public Comment On Proposed Southwest Savanna Regional Master Plan Variance For Yellowstone Wildlife Area Trail Designation And Improvements
Public Comment Period Open Through Jan. 29
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a proposed variance to the Southwest Savanna Regional Master Plan.
As described in ch. NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, a master plan variance is a change in the use or management
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Jan. 9 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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DNR Seeking Public Comment On Proposed Southwest Savanna Regional Master Plan Variance For Yellowstone Wildlife Area Trail Designation And Improvements
Public Comment Period Open Through Jan. 29
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a proposed variance to the Southwest Savanna Regional Master Plan.
As described in ch. NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, a master plan variance is a change in the use or managementof an area that is consistent with the area's land management classification and objectives.
The proposed variance would designate the Wildlife Loop Trail, located where a 1-mile non-designated path currently exists at Yellowstone Wildlife Area, and authorize related accessibility improvements to the trail.
Located in northeastern Lafayette County, the Yellowstone Wildlife Area is a 4,000-acre property known for its rolling topography and opportunities for hunting, trapping and fishing. The Southwest Savanna Regional Master Plan was approved by the Natural Resources Board in December 2021.
The public can review the draft variance by visiting the DNR's Southwest Savanna Master Planning webpage.
The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed trail designation and associated accessibility improvements variance to the Southwest Savanna 2021 Regional Master Plan. Submit comments by Jan. 29, 2026, to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Natalie Avallone, DNR Property Planner
1027 West St. Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Natalie.Avallone@wisconsin.gov or 920-492-8183
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Original text here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/116916
Update: AG's Office Releases Video Footage From Investigation Into October 10, 2025 Fatal Vehicle Collision in Middletown, N.J.
TRENTON, New Jersey, Jan. 9 -- The New Jersey Attorney General Office of Public Integrity and Accountability issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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UPDATE: AG's Office Releases Video Footage from Investigation into October 10, 2025 Fatal Vehicle Collision in Middletown, N.J.
The Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today released surveillance video footage related to a fatal vehicle crash that occurred on October 10, 2025, on State Route 36 in Middletown, New Jersey. The decedent was previously identified as Henry Phillips Jr., 73, of Atlantic
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Jan. 9 -- The New Jersey Attorney General Office of Public Integrity and Accountability issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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UPDATE: AG's Office Releases Video Footage from Investigation into October 10, 2025 Fatal Vehicle Collision in Middletown, N.J.
The Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today released surveillance video footage related to a fatal vehicle crash that occurred on October 10, 2025, on State Route 36 in Middletown, New Jersey. The decedent was previously identified as Henry Phillips Jr., 73, of AtlanticHighlands, New Jersey.
This fatal police encounter is under investigation by OPIA. The recording is being released pursuant to policies established by the Attorney General's Office in 2019 designed to promote the fair, impartial, and transparent investigation of fatal police encounters. Representatives of Mr. Phillips's family were given an opportunity to review the recording prior to its public release.
According to the preliminary investigation, at approximately 1:00 p.m. on October 10, 2025, while operating a marked police vehicle, Officer Timothy Funk of the Atlantic Highlands Police Department was travelling on Orchard Avenue and stopped at a red traffic light at the intersection of Orchard Avenue and Route 36. Mr. Phillips was operating an e-bike southbound in the northbound lane of Route 36. The e-bike and marked police vehicle collided after Officer Funk made a right turn on red. Mr. Phillips was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He was pronounced deceased on October 19, 2025.
The recording is available here (https://njoag.app.box.com/s/o3snzsx5jmqy2vv37hmgey5epz6vvv3s).
A 2019 law, N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), requires the Attorney General's Office to conduct investigations of a person's death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer's official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the Independent Prosecutor Directive is posted on the Attorney General's website here (https://www.nj.gov/oag/excellence/docs/2019-4_Independent_Prosecutor_Directive.pdf).
Note: Members of the press can email the Communications Office to obtain a link to download the recordings.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/update-ags-office-releases-video-footage-from-investigation-into-october-10-2025-fatal-vehicle-collision-in-middletown-n-j/
Republican Lawmakers Introduce $1.1 Billion Tax Relief Plan to Ease Cost Pressures on Arizona Families
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 9 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Republican Lawmakers Introduce $1.1 Billion Tax Relief Plan to Ease Cost Pressures on Arizona Families
Arizona Senate and House Republicans are advancing a plan to align the state tax code with federal tax reforms from President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill - which will provide Arizonans an estimated $1.1 billion in tax savings over the next three years. The plan will make a few adjustments to Arizona's existing tax structure, focusing on affordability and helping working Arizona
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 9 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Republican Lawmakers Introduce $1.1 Billion Tax Relief Plan to Ease Cost Pressures on Arizona Families
Arizona Senate and House Republicans are advancing a plan to align the state tax code with federal tax reforms from President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill - which will provide Arizonans an estimated $1.1 billion in tax savings over the next three years. The plan will make a few adjustments to Arizona's existing tax structure, focusing on affordability and helping working Arizonafamilies. Moving quickly will provide clarity for taxpayers who are preparing to file.
While the Trump Administration takes action to undo the economic damage caused by four years of Biden-Harris policies responsible for fueling inflation, higher energy prices, and rising costs of everyday life, Arizona Republicans are spearheading efforts at the state level to ease these burdens with SB 1106/ HB 2153. Introduced today by Senate Finance Committee Chairman J.D. Mesnard and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Justin Olson, the goal of this plan is to help families keep more of what they earn.
"This legislature has a strong record of cutting taxes and lowering costs for Arizona families," said Senator Mesnard. "From enacting a 2.5 percent flat income tax I authored several years ago, to delivering direct tax rebates, to cutting the rental tax and reducing taxes on small businesses, Republicans have repeatedly fought to reduce the tax burden on our citizens. Our plan in 2026 builds on that record by further lowering taxes, supporting job creators, and helping all Arizonans keep more of the money they earn. In particular, the plan helps working families struggling with higher prices by increasing Arizona's child tax credit and creating a deduction for childcare expenses. We're committed to moving quickly so Arizonans can realize a larger refund without delay this tax filing season."
"This is an urgent matter. With tax season underway, tax professionals and families alike need clear guidance now," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "Until the Legislature acts and the Governor signs this plan into law, there is real confusion about how to handle state tax returns. We're urging Governor Hobbs to join us in resolving this issue promptly by signing this historic tax cut when it hits her desk."
"The Governor jumped ahead of the law by issuing state tax guidance this week that assumes legislative action - which hasn't happened yet - and her recent executive order only deepens confusion. This kind of unilateral overreach undermines the process and leaves families, tax preparers, and businesses stuck in the middle," said House Speaker Steve Montenegro. "The Legislature is moving to restore certainty, respect the separation of powers, and make sure Arizonans have clear, lawful guidance."
"Our 2026 tax conformity plan applies the Trump tax cuts to Arizona's tax code," said Representative Olson. "It focuses tax relief where it matters most - working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses. This plan will grow the economy and is consistent with President Trump's key promises including no tax on tips or overtime. This bill will enable hardworking Arizonans to keep more of what they earn so they can more easily provide for the needs of their families."
SB 1106/ HB 2153 will be formally introduced and debated next week when the 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session kicks off. This plan protects the progress Arizona has made under the leadership of a Republican Majority at the Legislature and strengthens our commitment to keeping the state competitive and affordable for working families.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260108CONFORMITY.pdf
Ohio State Auditor: Finding for Recovery Issued Against Former Belmore Fiscal Officer Over Penalties and Interest From Late Tax Payments to IRS
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 9 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Finding for Recovery Issued Against Former Belmore Fiscal Officer over Penalties and Interest from Late Tax Payments to IRS
A finding for recovery of $1,211.10 was issued Thursday against the former fiscal officer for the Village of Belmore in Putnam County over penalties and interest that resulted from late tax payments.
The finding against Tammy Rayle was included in an audit of the village's finances from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024.
The full report is available
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 9 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Finding for Recovery Issued Against Former Belmore Fiscal Officer over Penalties and Interest from Late Tax Payments to IRS
A finding for recovery of $1,211.10 was issued Thursday against the former fiscal officer for the Village of Belmore in Putnam County over penalties and interest that resulted from late tax payments.
The finding against Tammy Rayle was included in an audit of the village's finances from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024.
The full report is availableonline at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
Auditors determined that Rayle failed to submit payments to the Internal Revenue Service, noting, "... she repeatedly failed to properly remit withholdings, and, therefore, she is liable for the late fees that were incurred to that negligence."
Rayle and her bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the total.
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The Auditor of State's Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: http://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7771
Minnesota DNR Releases 2025 Forest Health Annual Report
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Minnesota DNR releases 2025 Forest Health Annual Report
Summary includes findings on insect outbreaks, diseases and other impacts to Minnesota forests
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 Forest Health Annual Report (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/annualreports.html) which uses data from aerial surveys and on-the-ground site visits. The report compiles information about insect outbreaks, disease epidemics,
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Minnesota DNR releases 2025 Forest Health Annual Report
Summary includes findings on insect outbreaks, diseases and other impacts to Minnesota forests
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 Forest Health Annual Report (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/annualreports.html) which uses data from aerial surveys and on-the-ground site visits. The report compiles information about insect outbreaks, disease epidemics,and other impacts to the state's forests.
The DNR aerially surveyed 13.5 million acres of Minnesota for damage to forests in 2025. Since the early 1950s, aerial surveys have been a valuable tool for discovering, tracking, and managing forest health threats like spruce budworm, oak wilt, storm damage, eastern larch beetle and more.
"By tracking the changes and trends of what's impacting trees, the DNR provides information that landowners and forest managers can ultimately use to help make our forests healthier and more resilient," DNR Forestry Division Forest Health Consultant Brian Schwingle said.
Key findings in the 2025 report include:
* Forests received enough precipitation in the 2025 growing season to limit decline in species like oak, aspen and birch. Appropriate precipitation levels increase trees' resiliency to other stressors like pests and disease.
* No new counties have confirmed cases of oak wilt. The number of Minnesota counties with known oak wilt remains at 33.
* Surveys discovered emerald ash borer in six additional counties, increasing the number with known EAB infestation to 59 of the state's 87 counties.
* Prior spruce budworm damage in northeast Minnesota fueled two large wildfires in May, which burned around 28,000 acres in total.
* The June derecho damaged at least 11,600 acres of forest in the Bemidji area.
Managing forests so they can thrive is a cooperative effort. Minnesotans can help keep trees and forests healthy through proper yard tree care and forest management.
To help reduce the spread of harmful pests and diseases, buy and burn local firewood and report oak wilt beyond areas where it is common. Report pests and diseases regulated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the MDA website.
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Original text here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2026/01/08/minnesota-dnr-releases-2025-forest-health-annual-report
Minn. Employment & Economic Development Dept.: Latest Minnesota Jobs Numbers Show Faster Growth Than U.S.
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 9 (TNSxrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Latest Minnesota Jobs Numbers Show Faster Growth Than U.S.
Minnesota employers added 8,900 jobs between September and November even as the United States as a whole was essentially flat, according to the most recent data released today by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Minnesota's unemployment rate was 4.0% in November (compared to 4.6% nationally), rising by 0.3% since September as the state added more
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 9 (TNSxrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Latest Minnesota Jobs Numbers Show Faster Growth Than U.S.
Minnesota employers added 8,900 jobs between September and November even as the United States as a whole was essentially flat, according to the most recent data released today by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Minnesota's unemployment rate was 4.0% in November (compared to 4.6% nationally), rising by 0.3% since September as the state added morejob seekers; the labor force increased by nearly 8,500 people from September to November and the labor force participation rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 68.2%.
Jobs in Minnesota increased by almost 0.3% during this period while they were essentially flat across the U.S.
"Minnesota's employers are continuing to hire even as national trends point in an uncertain direction," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Minnesota employers are adding jobs while the national labor market stalls out, which is good news for our state. We are monitoring our unemployment rate and working hard to connect workers to good jobs.
The federal government shutdown last fall delayed the release of jobs numbers for the months of September through November. Due to the shutdown, some labor force data was not collected for October, and therefore, over-the-month change from October to November is not available for some parts of this report.
DEED will release monthly data for December on January 22 as the jobs numbers reporting schedule returns to normal.
As of November, Minnesota gained more than 40,700 jobs over the year, up 1.3%, with the private sector gaining 40,500 of those jobs, up 1.6%. Both rates are faster than the nation's: overall, national employment grew 0.5% over the year with the private sector up 0.7%.
Seven supersectors posted positive annual growth in Minnesota, led by Construction (up 11,600 jobs, or 8.3%) and Education and Health Services (up 24,700 jobs, or 4.1%). Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, Mining and Logging and Government also added jobs.
Financial Activities (down 3,700 jobs, or 2%) and Information (down 2,200 jobs, or 5.1%) led supersector losses. While Government added jobs overall, federal government employment in Minnesota declined 5.9%.
"We are monitoring several trends in our jobs numbers, including ongoing private sector growth and the continued strength of Minnesota job growth compared to the overall United States," said Angelina Nguyen, DEED Labor Market Information director. "The resumption of regular employment reporting will give us a clearer picture of our labor force as we monitor the economy."
Visit the DEED website to view full state and national employment statistics, monthly jobs numbers and further analysis of this month's data. You can also find alternative measures of unemployment. In addition, find related articles about job growth and labor market changes in the latest issue of Minnesota Employment Trends. Access resources to help Minnesotans prepare for and find employment now at CareerForceMN.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/718950
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Precedent-Setting Settlement With Riverview Dairy to Reduce Groundwater Usage, Securing $11M for Well Drilling, Water-Hauling and Groundwater Access
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 9 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Precedent-Setting Settlement with Riverview Dairy to Reduce Groundwater Usage, Securing $11M for Well Drilling, Water-Hauling and Groundwater Access
WILLCOX -Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a settlement agreement between Arizona and Riverview, LLP, to reduce Riverview's groundwater usage and deliver $11 million to impacted residents for well-drilling, water-hauling and groundwater access. This groundwater access settlement is the
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 9 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Precedent-Setting Settlement with Riverview Dairy to Reduce Groundwater Usage, Securing $11M for Well Drilling, Water-Hauling and Groundwater Access
WILLCOX -Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a settlement agreement between Arizona and Riverview, LLP, to reduce Riverview's groundwater usage and deliver $11 million to impacted residents for well-drilling, water-hauling and groundwater access. This groundwater access settlement is thefirst of its kind in Arizona and across the country. The settlement includes new water conservation and groundwater access practices implemented by Riverview, to fallow or transition to a different use 2,000 acres of irrigated farmland and establish two $5.5 million funds to help ensure continued access to potable water for residents of the Sulphur Springs Valley in Cochise County.
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"This settlement sets a new precedent in Arizona--one where businesses commit to being good neighbors to the communities they operate in and make meaningful efforts to reduce pumping of our most precious resource --groundwater," said Attorney General Mayes. "As a daughter of rural Arizona, I can't imagine anything more important than paving a new way forward to conserve groundwater and protect a future for the rural communities like Willcox and the Sulphur Springs Valley that define Arizona."
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In the agreement, the Attorney General and Riverview emphasize that agriculture is a cornerstone of the valley's economy and heritage, but that groundwater levels continue to decline and residents in the Sulphur Springs Valley continue to face resulting challenges.
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"The legislature has failed for years to protect the residents of rural Arizona from groundwater depletion, so my office has stepped in to do it for them," said Attorney General Mayes. "Today's announcement is an immediate and concrete action to address the increasingly dangerous depletion of groundwater in rural parts of our state."
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New Water Conservation
Pursuant to the agreement, Riverview will fallow a total of 2,000 acres of irrigated farmland or transition the acreage to a different land use, such as grazing, habitat, or other non-row-crops over the next 12 years. Riverview will have strict reporting requirements on the acreage reduction. Riverview is prohibited from selling or transferring ownership of the land without maintaining the non-row crop use of the land or fallowing an equivalent number of substitute acreage. Riverview also agrees to continue its best management practices for its irrigated agricultural operations, including the use of pivots, drop hoses, and low energy precision application systems, pumps with variable frequency drives, pivot control and automation, and other superior practices.
$11 Million for Well Drilling, Water-Hauling and Groundwater Access
Riverview has agreed to deposit $11 million into two funds to help ensure Sulphur Springs Valley residents have continued access to potable water. These funds will provide assistance for replacement of groundwater wells and emergency or interim residential water supply measures and support for existing community water systems. The Riverview Funding Commitment will be directed to residents impacted within a 1.6-mile radius of any Riverview Irrigation Well. The Sulphur Springs Water Fund will assist residents impacted outside a 1.6-mile radius of any Riverview Irrigation Well.
Regardless of proximity to any Riverview Irrigation Well, both funds are available to specifically designated schools located outside the 1.6-mile radius of a Riverview Irrigation Well: the Ash Creek Elementary School, Elfrida Elementary School, Valley Union High School, Cochise Elementary School, and McNeal Elementary School. Both funds encourage multi-party applications from residents working together to jointly construct a shared water systems to encourage efficient water infrastructure investment. To ensure compliance with the agreement, both funds will provide periodic reports to the Arizona Attorney General's office.
Sulphur Springs Water Fund (SSWF) - $5.5 Million
This $5.5 million in funding for groundwater access for those outside of a 1.6-mile radius will be administered by a third-party nonprofit and a Review Panel of five members appointed by the Sulphur Spring Alliance, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy's Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, the Arizona State University Sustainability Institute, the Water Resources Research Center of the University of Arizona, and the nonprofit. This money will be prioritized for impacted individuals to replace or re-drill groundwater wells and provide access to tank systems, water fill stations, and water-hauling. This fund will be available to receive applications beginning April 8, 2026. Other than making the required contributions, Riverview will not have any approval, veto, or control over the Sulphur Springs Water Fund uses, policies, awards, or administration.
Riverview Funding Commitment - $5.5 Million
This $5.5 million for groundwater access for those inside a 1.6-mile radius will be administered by Riverview in accordance with the terms of the agreement. This fund will also support the construction and installation of replacement groundwater wells, tank systems, water fill stations, and water-hauling services for residential use, and the funding and expansion of existing community water systems. The money will be available for impacted residents, schools, and special districts, water companies, or municipalities that provide domestic water services.
Riverview has agreed to a schedule of contributions to this fund over the next 20 years, with acceleration measures if there are outstanding claim requests.
A copy of the settlement can be found here (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/b0aaf293-9839-a6b7-4abb-e3a6e4121d71/Groundwater_Access_Settlement_Agreement_Arizona_Riverview.pdf).
Community Members and Arizona Water Leaders Statements:
"Thank you to Attorney General Kris Mayes for delivering this agreement to protect groundwater access and increase water security in Southern Arizona. This is the kind of collaboration we need to see more of--bringing together stakeholders to conserve water, protect rural communities, and support the long-term viability of Arizona agriculture," said Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
"Thanks to Attorney General Kris Mayes' swift action after hearing community members' concerns about the Douglas and Willcox groundwater basins, Arizona is taking an important step to conserve our state's precious groundwater resources," said Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego. "Arizona's groundwater is not unlimited, and it can't be treated like a blank check. When I was in the House, I raised serious concerns with Riverview about its water management practices and pushed the company to come to the table. This settlement sets an important precedent for Arizona: if you use our state's water, you have a responsibility to protect it. Conserving our groundwater requires real accountability and collaboration with farmers, local communities like Willcox, and water experts. This outcome proves we can safeguard Arizona's water future while continuing to support a strong economy."
"The Riverview settlement is a significant achievement for residents and water users in the Willcox Groundwater Basin. Groundwater levels there have fallen precipitously since the 1950s, causing numerous wells to go dry and threatening the availability of water for current and future generations. Meaningful reductions in withdrawals are needed to slow this depletion of groundwater, and the fallowing of farmland by the largest water user in the Basin is a wise step forward," said Kathy Ferris, a water leader in Arizona for more and 40 years and one of the architects of the 1980 Groundwater Management Act. "Add in the $11 million of funding that Riverview will be providing to the community for continued access to drinking water, and this settlement is a serious accomplishment."
"Attorney General Mayes has achieved a significant protection for the residents of Sulphur Springs Valley. This remarkable agreement will assure their future access to water, the critical resource for every community," said former Attorney General Terry Goddard, President of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District. "It is a creative approach and an example of how to protect other Arizona groundwater basins!"
"The Sulphur Springs Valley groundwater agreement settled by the Attorney General is a major step forward in addressing the overuse of groundwater. The agreement also represents a major milestone with the largest groundwater user in the valley, Riverview Dairy, acknowledging a responsibility to reduce groundwater use and to mitigate the impact of their use on residents of the region," said Jim Holway, the founding director of the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy who recently retired after 40 years of working on water and land policy in Arizona and throughout the southwest. "Arizona critically needs new planning, regulatory and financial tools to prevent the loss of water supplies in rural areas and this requires legislative action to create effective, long term and cooperative region-wide solutions engaging all water users. However, since our legislative leaders continue to block needed actions, I commend the Attorney General for her proactive efforts advocating for Arizonans and hopefully laying the groundwork for sustainable rural water management."
"We have been dealing with water shortages for some time. The negotiations between the people involved right now is a good one," said retired Mayor of Willcox Mike Laws. "The figure that was thrown at me was $11 million to help people in the area dig new wells deeper than the ones they have. The math may not be exact but it's about 25 to 30,000 I think to dig a new well. This money can be put to good use and could possibly help more than 300 families that have no water or is hauling water to live as normal as they can."
"Thanks to the Attorney General and the folks at Riverview for coming together to establish an opportunity that could last many generations. This offers some mechanisms for communities to come together to pool funds for water and the betterment of the whole group and the whole community," said Ed Curry, fourth-generation Chile farmer in Pearce, Arizona and President of Curry Seed and Chile Company. "This kind of agreement can bring peace across all of rural Arizona, not just Willcox. This brings some good hope, not only for today, but for many generations to come, to help us keep rural Arizona sustainable."
"This gives me hope. The Attorney General actually listened to us two years ago at her town hall in Sunsites," said Cheryl Knott, resident of Pearce who spearheaded the signature-gathering to secure the active management area ballot initiative for the Willcox and Douglas basins. "So many people stood at the microphone and told her about the terrible personal financial impact of having a well that's going dry. And the Attorney General actually followed up, so now people will get the help they need and the help they deserve when their wells go dry. "
"As a domestic well owner in this area who has seen our water level drop nearly 150 feet in the past 30 years I welcome and support this agreement between Riverview LLC and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes," said Steve Kisiel, resident of Pearce and domestic well owner. "I see this agreement as an acknowledgment that in the arid Southwest groundwater is a vital public resource and that large scale pumping has significant negative impact on the general public."
"I am amazed at this development! It is not something I ever thought would actually happen," said Lisa Glenn, resident of Willcox for over 50 years. "We owe Attorney General Kris Mayes a huge 'thank you' and encourage her to now address the extraordinary amount of water that can be pumped from the Willcox and Douglas aquifers every year."
"Rural Arizonans have been losing their homes, farms, and businesses because of unregulated over pumping of groundwater, leaving many with dried out wells and costly bills to drill deeper or haul water," said Kevin Moran, Associate Vice President, Regional Affairs, for Environmental Defense Fund. "This historic settlement, a first in the nation, finally acknowledges the harms being done to rural Arizona by exploitative and unsustainable water pumping. Arizona is fortunate to have Attorney General Kris Mayes defending rural communities and taking action since our state Legislature has repeatedly failed to provide even basic protections for rural Arizona."
"This settlement is a good step in the right direction and sends a message to big pumpers that they cannot just come into communities and dry up wells without there being repercussions," said Sandy Bahr, director of Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter. "A lot more needs to be done in Willcox, including via the active management area, to reduce groundwater pumping and stabilize the aquifer to ensure a more sustainable future for these communities. Beyond Willcox, many of our rural areas need groundwater protections and to do that we need strong legislation, which is why the continued inaction or worse at the Arizona Legislature is so irresponsible."
"Thank you Attorney General Kris Mayes, for taking decisive action to protect Arizona's water future. This settlement represents a huge step forward in conserving our water supply and beginning to correct years of Republican neglect to protect rural communities. I'll continue to work at the federal level to support these efforts," said Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03).
"Responsible groundwater management is a pillar of Arizona's success, and I applaud Attorney General Mayes for brokering a settlement to the benefit of business, residents, and all Arizonans," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "As our state faces uncertainty in the Colorado River basin, it is more important than ever that we get this right."
"I am deeply grateful for Attorney General Mayes' leadership to protect our rural groundwater and showcase the lasting benefits that public-private partnerships can bring to Arizona," said Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. "For decades our state leadership has failed to meet the moment when it comes to water conservation efforts, rendering so many other investments into our state useless if generations to come cannot remain confident in Arizona's water future. This settlement should be celebrated by all who wish to call Arizona home for years to come."
"In Arizona, water is our most precious resource. For too long, rural communities in Cochise County and across our state have been harmed by large corporations over-pumping local groundwater supplies. I applaud Attorney General Mayes for taking decisive action to protect our communities and preserve Arizona's water for future generations," said Arizona Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07). "Now, it's time for our Republican-controlled State Legislature to follow AG Mayes' lead and pass comprehensive groundwater management policies statewide."
"Attorney General Kris Mayes and her team stepped up when rural Arizonans needed relief--not excuses. This settlement delivers long-overdue relief to families whose wells ran dry through no fault of their own," said Arizona State Senator and ASU Global Futures Scientist Lauren Kuby. "While the Legislature has dragged its feet on groundwater reform, the Attorney General's Office chose action, accountability, and science-based solutions."
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/ag-mayes-announces-riverview-settlement
