Pima County IDA offering fifth round of assistance for first-time homebuyers

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff

PIMA COUNTY, June 10, 2024 — The Pima County Industrial Development Authority (Pima IDA) has launched a fifth round of funding for its highly successful program aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers.

With another commitment of $25 million of bonds, LIGHTHOUSE 5.0 is offering a below-market fixed-rate mortgage that also comes with substantial down payment assistance. On June 10, the interest rate on LIGHTHOUSE 5.0 loans was locked in at 6.1%, roughly 1 percentage point below the current residential rate on a 30-year mortgage, providing the homeowner more purchasing power in a market where home prices remain elevated. First-time homebuyers will receive 4% of the total mortgage amount up-front for down payment or closing-cost assistance. If the homebuyers stay in their home for five years, the loan for that assistance is fully forgiven. On average, this 4% assistance equates to about $15,000, and considering that almost 40% of potential homebuyers say the lack of a down payment is preventing them from moving into a home, the LIGHTHOUSE 5.0 program is addressing the biggest obstacle facing first-time homebuyers. Given the anticipated first-come, first-served demand for LIGHTHOUSE 5.0, it is expected that the funds will be fully allocated before the end of July 2024. Potential first-time homebuyers can find a list of approved lenders at pimatucsonlighthouse.com . “I am thrilled to re-launch the LIGHTHOUSE Program, now in its fifth iteration,” said Pima IDA President Diane Quihuis. “It continues to be a beacon of opportunity for aspiring homeowners. This program showcases our commitment to creating access and fostering stability in our neighborhoods and for our community. I’m also proud to share that the LIGHTHOUSE Program of the Pima IDA and the Tucson IDA has been honored with an award by the National Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities (NALHFA), highlighting our dedication to excellence and innovation in supporting homeownership.” The Pima County Board of Supervisors, which created the Pima IDA in 1972, voted in December 2023 to authorize the IDA to issue up to $100 million in Single Family Mortgage Bonds to further homeownership in Pima County. PimaTucson LIGHTHOUSE was launched in August 2023 with Pima IDA and City of Tucson IDA funding in response to price and mortgage rate increases in housing, essentially pricing many families out of the market for a median single-family home. The median single family home price in Pima County has increased over 50% since the end of 2019, from $252,750 to $394,700. In that same time, federal interest rates, to which mortgage interest rates are tied, rose from 2.5% to 8.5%. These two economic factors have made it much harder for the average Pima County resident to buy a home. The four rounds of funding have provided for nearly 400 home loans and, when the loans close, more homebuyers in Pima County. No state, local or State of Arizona Housing Trust Fund monies are used in the LIGHTHOUSE programs. “I am inspired by the speed and success of the LIGHTHOUSE program in bringing expanded homeownership opportunities to our Pima County residents,” said Adelita Grijalva, Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. “The housing affordability crisis is a national reality and Pima County is working at all levels – affordable housing and market-rate homes – to help our residents bridge their way to living in security, creating generational wealth and achieving equity in homeownership.” Lenders interested in offering the program can obtain detailed information at pimatucsonlighthouse.com .

Pima County IDA offering fifth round of assistance for first-time homebuyers

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff

PIMA COUNTY, June 10, 2024 — The Pima County Industrial Development Authority (Pima IDA) has launched a fifth round of funding for its highly successful program aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers.

With another commitment of $25 million of bonds, LIGHTHOUSE 5.0 is offering a below-market fixed-rate mortgage that also comes with substantial down payment assistance. On June 10, the interest rate on LIGHTHOUSE 5.0 loans was locked in at 6.1%, roughly 1 percentage point below the current residential rate on a 30-year mortgage, providing the homeowner more purchasing power in a market where home prices remain elevated. First-time homebuyers will receive 4% of the total mortgage amount up-front for down payment or closing-cost assistance. If the homebuyers stay in their home for five years, the loan for that assistance is fully forgiven. On average, this 4% assistance equates to about $15,000, and considering that almost 40% of potential homebuyers say the lack of a down payment is preventing them from moving into a home, the LIGHTHOUSE 5.0 program is addressing the biggest obstacle facing first-time homebuyers. Given the anticipated first-come, first-served demand for LIGHTHOUSE 5.0, it is expected that the funds will be fully allocated before the end of July 2024. Potential first-time homebuyers can find a list of approved lenders at pimatucsonlighthouse.com . “I am thrilled to re-launch the LIGHTHOUSE Program, now in its fifth iteration,” said Pima IDA President Diane Quihuis. “It continues to be a beacon of opportunity for aspiring homeowners. This program showcases our commitment to creating access and fostering stability in our neighborhoods and for our community. I’m also proud to share that the LIGHTHOUSE Program of the Pima IDA and the Tucson IDA has been honored with an award by the National Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities (NALHFA), highlighting our dedication to excellence and innovation in supporting homeownership.” The Pima County Board of Supervisors, which created the Pima IDA in 1972, voted in December 2023 to authorize the IDA to issue up to $100 million in Single Family Mortgage Bonds to further homeownership in Pima County. PimaTucson LIGHTHOUSE was launched in August 2023 with Pima IDA and City of Tucson IDA funding in response to price and mortgage rate increases in housing, essentially pricing many families out of the market for a median single-family home. The median single family home price in Pima County has increased over 50% since the end of 2019, from $252,750 to $394,700. In that same time, federal interest rates, to which mortgage interest rates are tied, rose from 2.5% to 8.5%. These two economic factors have made it much harder for the average Pima County resident to buy a home. The four rounds of funding have provided for nearly 400 home loans and, when the loans close, more homebuyers in Pima County. No state, local or State of Arizona Housing Trust Fund monies are used in the LIGHTHOUSE programs. “I am inspired by the speed and success of the LIGHTHOUSE program in bringing expanded homeownership opportunities to our Pima County residents,” said Adelita Grijalva, Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. “The housing affordability crisis is a national reality and Pima County is working at all levels – affordable housing and market-rate homes – to help our residents bridge their way to living in security, creating generational wealth and achieving equity in homeownership.” Lenders interested in offering the program can obtain detailed information at pimatucsonlighthouse.com .

Kelly, Budd Introduce Bill to Boost Microchip Manufacturing Workforce

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the CHIPS Training in America Act , a bipartisan plan to strategically boost the microchip manufacturing workforce to meet the demand created by semiconductor manufacturers establishing or expanding their operations in the United States.       The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) estimates that, without changes, the United States will fall short of meeting growing demand for microchip manufacturing workers, with the majority of unfilled jobs being technician positions that do not require a four-year degree. The CHIPS Training in America Act will require a national microelectronics workforce development strategic plan and establish a grant program to increase workforce development partnerships between industry and localities and community colleges, such as those already started in Arizona.      “Microchip manufacturers are investing tens of billions of dollars to grow their operations here at home, and now we’ve got to get more Americans the skills and training they need to fill the great-paying jobs being created,” said Kelly. “Our bill takes a strategic approach to boost the types of partnerships between manufacturers and community colleges that we’re already seeing working in Arizona. That’s how we’re going to get more Arizonans and Americans the skills they need to start careers in microchip manufacturing, without a four-year degree.”      “North Carolina leads the way in technological innovation and manufacturing. I am proud to work with Senator Kelly to introduce the CHIPS Training in America Act, which will better direct already-appropriated workforce development funds towards job-specific training in microelectronics. By partnering industry with educational institutions, this bill will help workers compete for good-paying jobs while also making it possible for more critical semiconductor assembly, packaging, and testing to be brought back to the United States,” said Budd.       “As semiconductor production and innovation expands in the U.S., it is critical for government and industry to work together to promote a robust and skilled semiconductor workforce. The bipartisan CHIPS Training in America Act of 2024 advances key priorities of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, creating valuable resources and benchmarks to support the growing U.S. chip industry workforce. We commend Sen. Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Budd (R-N.C.) for introducing this important legislation and urge prompt Senate action,” said the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).    “On behalf of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4), we would like to express our deepest appreciation to Senator Kelly, for introducing the CHIPS Training in America Act and his continuing support of Arizona community colleges. We are aware and appreciative of the ongoing efforts of Senator Kelly to ensure workforce funds are appropriated through the CHIPS Act and used in their most efficient and effective manner. The bill, which would create a grant program for community colleges, is critical to AC4’s ability to continue to serve key industries, such as microelectronics, computer science, and engineering,” said Todd Haynie, President of Eastern Arizona College and Chair of AC4.         Background:       The CHIPS and Science Act included multiple independent approaches to prioritize workforce development:     
  • $200 million for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to administer the very flexible CHIPS for America Workforce and Education Fund;  
  • $11 billion for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) to support semiconductor research and development, ensure collaboration among stakeholders, and serve as the coordination point for workforce development across the microelectronics ecosystem;  
  • A requirement for companies receiving CHIPS incentives to maintain a workforce plan demonstrating investments in recruiting, training, hiring, and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce.  
   The CHIPS Training in America Act will ensure a coordinated, cohesive federal investment in microelectronics workforce development. Specifically, the bill uses existing appropriations to:     
  • Require the development and maintenance of a national microelectronics workforce development strategic plan, plus short-term goals and metrics;   
  • Minimize duplication between NSF and the NSTC as the NSTC stands up workforce development programming;  
  • Authorize the NSTC to develop and disseminate degree, credential, and certificate frameworks in microelectronics and semiconductor workforce development programs;  
  • Establish a grant program to expand workforce development programs in semiconductor and related fields through partnerships among industry, states and localities, and community colleges or career and technical programs.  
  1. This program would also help guide industry investment in scaling programs that work to fulfill their CHIPS incentives workforce requirements.  
   Click here for full text of the CHIPS Training in America Act.   

Kelly, Budd Introduce Bill to Boost Microchip Manufacturing Workforce

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the CHIPS Training in America Act , a bipartisan plan to strategically boost the microchip manufacturing workforce to meet the demand created by semiconductor manufacturers establishing or expanding their operations in the United States.       The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) estimates that, without changes, the United States will fall short of meeting growing demand for microchip manufacturing workers, with the majority of unfilled jobs being technician positions that do not require a four-year degree. The CHIPS Training in America Act will require a national microelectronics workforce development strategic plan and establish a grant program to increase workforce development partnerships between industry and localities and community colleges, such as those already started in Arizona.      “Microchip manufacturers are investing tens of billions of dollars to grow their operations here at home, and now we’ve got to get more Americans the skills and training they need to fill the great-paying jobs being created,” said Kelly. “Our bill takes a strategic approach to boost the types of partnerships between manufacturers and community colleges that we’re already seeing working in Arizona. That’s how we’re going to get more Arizonans and Americans the skills they need to start careers in microchip manufacturing, without a four-year degree.”      “North Carolina leads the way in technological innovation and manufacturing. I am proud to work with Senator Kelly to introduce the CHIPS Training in America Act, which will better direct already-appropriated workforce development funds towards job-specific training in microelectronics. By partnering industry with educational institutions, this bill will help workers compete for good-paying jobs while also making it possible for more critical semiconductor assembly, packaging, and testing to be brought back to the United States,” said Budd.       “As semiconductor production and innovation expands in the U.S., it is critical for government and industry to work together to promote a robust and skilled semiconductor workforce. The bipartisan CHIPS Training in America Act of 2024 advances key priorities of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, creating valuable resources and benchmarks to support the growing U.S. chip industry workforce. We commend Sen. Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Budd (R-N.C.) for introducing this important legislation and urge prompt Senate action,” said the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).    “On behalf of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4), we would like to express our deepest appreciation to Senator Kelly, for introducing the CHIPS Training in America Act and his continuing support of Arizona community colleges. We are aware and appreciative of the ongoing efforts of Senator Kelly to ensure workforce funds are appropriated through the CHIPS Act and used in their most efficient and effective manner. The bill, which would create a grant program for community colleges, is critical to AC4’s ability to continue to serve key industries, such as microelectronics, computer science, and engineering,” said Todd Haynie, President of Eastern Arizona College and Chair of AC4.         Background:       The CHIPS and Science Act included multiple independent approaches to prioritize workforce development:     
  • $200 million for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to administer the very flexible CHIPS for America Workforce and Education Fund;  
  • $11 billion for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) to support semiconductor research and development, ensure collaboration among stakeholders, and serve as the coordination point for workforce development across the microelectronics ecosystem;  
  • A requirement for companies receiving CHIPS incentives to maintain a workforce plan demonstrating investments in recruiting, training, hiring, and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce.  
   The CHIPS Training in America Act will ensure a coordinated, cohesive federal investment in microelectronics workforce development. Specifically, the bill uses existing appropriations to:     
  • Require the development and maintenance of a national microelectronics workforce development strategic plan, plus short-term goals and metrics;   
  • Minimize duplication between NSF and the NSTC as the NSTC stands up workforce development programming;  
  • Authorize the NSTC to develop and disseminate degree, credential, and certificate frameworks in microelectronics and semiconductor workforce development programs;  
  • Establish a grant program to expand workforce development programs in semiconductor and related fields through partnerships among industry, states and localities, and community colleges or career and technical programs.  
  1. This program would also help guide industry investment in scaling programs that work to fulfill their CHIPS incentives workforce requirements.  
   Click here for full text of the CHIPS Training in America Act.   

WATCH: Kelly Gets Updates on Arizona Port of Entry Projects

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
This week, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led an oversight hearing of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Public Buildings Service, with an emphasis on the land ports of entry projects GSA is constructing in Southern Arizona.     Kelly, who championed the inclusion of funding within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the construction of three major land port of entry projects in Arizona, asked for and received updates on these projects, including upgrades at the San Luis Port of Entry, improvements to the Raul Castro Land Port of Entry, and the construction of a new commercial port in Douglas, Arizona. These projects are vital for facilitating trade and tourism while addressing security challenges at the Southern border.    At the hearing, Kelly received commitments from the Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service, Elliot Doomes, to ensure all three Arizona port projects would be completed by the end of the decade, and Doomes committed to keeping Kelly informed throughout the construction process. Kelly also secured a commitment that GSA will complete a feasibility study by the end of this year for the Dennis DeConcini Land Port of Entry in Nogales, AZ, which will make the project eligible for future construction.    “One of my top priorities in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was making sure GSA had the resources to modernize 20 land ports of entry across the country—including three priority projects in Arizona,” said Kelly. “Last June, I had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking of the San Luis Port of Entry project in Southern Arizona. This project is great news for Arizona, our economy, and border security.”  Click here to watch the full video of Kelly’s opening statement. See below a transcript of Kelly’s exchange with Commissioner Doomes of the Public Buildings Service at the U.S. General Services Administration on the Douglas Port of Entry:    Sen. Kelly: Thank you, Commissioner Doomes. I’m going to start with the five minutes of questions, and I want to follow up on what you discussed in your opening statement about land ports of entry. I know you mentioned the Douglas Port of Entry projects. So, let’s start with these projects, which includes constructing the new commercial land port of entry, but also modernizing the existing port facility—the Raul Castro Land Port of Entry. So, I understand that GSA recently completed the NEPA process for the Douglas port projects. What additional steps need to be completed before GSA can begin the process of soliciting the bids on these projects and then starting construction?    Commissioner Doomes: Thank you for that question, Senator. GSA conducted the NEPA process and, concurrently with the project development process, we issued a design build solicitation for the Douglas Commercial Land Port of Entry project on January 19th, 2024. This procurement is moving through the process and the award is slated for later this year in September.    Sen. Kelly: All right. Well, thank you. So, anything else once you submit the award? Can they then just immediately begin construction?    Commissioner Doomes: Yes, we expect that the construction schedule for that project will be about 3 years. So, we expect a notice to proceed to happen shortly thereafter the award in September.    Sen. Kelly: So, you think it’ll take three years that includes the new commercial port and the modernization of the existing port?    Commissioner Doomes: Well, to be clear, Senator, the Douglas commercial construction start is estimated for September of 2025, but the Raul Hector Castro estimated construction start date is January 2027.    Sen. Kelly: And then the expectation is within three years of 2025 or 2027, the whole thing will be complete?    Commissioner Doomes: The Douglas will be done three years from September 2025 and the Raul Hector Castro will be done by January 2030.    Sen. Kelly: All right, thank you. And I understand that you’re working with both the city of Douglas and the State of Arizona to make sure that the new commercial port has the needed roadway and utility connections. I’ll note that my office has been working closely with the with the city and state as well to make sure that we’re able to provide these connections. In fact, one of my top priorities for this year’s appropriations process is securing the roadway funding for the new port of entry. Will you commit to keeping my office up to date on discussions that GSA is having with the city and state on any additional infrastructure needs for the Douglas port?    Commissioner Doomes: Absolutely, Mr. Chairman. Region 9 is in regular communication with the Arizona Department of Transportation, and county officials in the city of Douglas. In June of 2024, GSA received confirmation that the Arizona State Transportation Board approved the revised five-year transportation facilities construction program that included funding requests for the James Ranch Rd. connector and other improvements along SR-80. And this commitment to seek funds is a positive step towards the Arizona Department of Transportation providing the necessary support infrastructure to make that port operational. GSA will continue to follow up on these infrastructure commitments and I am committing that our Region 9 office will stay in constant communication with you as we move along the process.    Sen. Kelly: Well, thank you. This is important because it allows us to try to stay and get ahead of any additional need to make sure these are completed on time.    Sen. Kelly: All right, we may come back to that, but for now I recognize Senator Cramer for five minutes.      See below a transcript of Kelly’s exchange with Commissioner Doomes on the San Luis port of entry:    Sen. Kelly: And again, on the San Luis Port of Entry, you know earlier we talked about the completion dates for Douglas and Raul. Is San Luis still on track for 2028 completion?    Commissioner Doomes: Right now, Senator, the planned completion date for this project remains April of 2029. The contractor broke ground earlier than originally planned, and we will continue to work closely with them and our federal customers to finish the project sooner, if at all possible.    Sen. Kelly: All right. Thank you.

WATCH: Kelly Gets Updates on Arizona Port of Entry Projects

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
This week, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led an oversight hearing of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Public Buildings Service, with an emphasis on the land ports of entry projects GSA is constructing in Southern Arizona.     Kelly, who championed the inclusion of funding within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the construction of three major land port of entry projects in Arizona, asked for and received updates on these projects, including upgrades at the San Luis Port of Entry, improvements to the Raul Castro Land Port of Entry, and the construction of a new commercial port in Douglas, Arizona. These projects are vital for facilitating trade and tourism while addressing security challenges at the Southern border.    At the hearing, Kelly received commitments from the Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service, Elliot Doomes, to ensure all three Arizona port projects would be completed by the end of the decade, and Doomes committed to keeping Kelly informed throughout the construction process. Kelly also secured a commitment that GSA will complete a feasibility study by the end of this year for the Dennis DeConcini Land Port of Entry in Nogales, AZ, which will make the project eligible for future construction.    “One of my top priorities in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was making sure GSA had the resources to modernize 20 land ports of entry across the country—including three priority projects in Arizona,” said Kelly. “Last June, I had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking of the San Luis Port of Entry project in Southern Arizona. This project is great news for Arizona, our economy, and border security.”  Click here to watch the full video of Kelly’s opening statement. See below a transcript of Kelly’s exchange with Commissioner Doomes of the Public Buildings Service at the U.S. General Services Administration on the Douglas Port of Entry:    Sen. Kelly: Thank you, Commissioner Doomes. I’m going to start with the five minutes of questions, and I want to follow up on what you discussed in your opening statement about land ports of entry. I know you mentioned the Douglas Port of Entry projects. So, let’s start with these projects, which includes constructing the new commercial land port of entry, but also modernizing the existing port facility—the Raul Castro Land Port of Entry. So, I understand that GSA recently completed the NEPA process for the Douglas port projects. What additional steps need to be completed before GSA can begin the process of soliciting the bids on these projects and then starting construction?    Commissioner Doomes: Thank you for that question, Senator. GSA conducted the NEPA process and, concurrently with the project development process, we issued a design build solicitation for the Douglas Commercial Land Port of Entry project on January 19th, 2024. This procurement is moving through the process and the award is slated for later this year in September.    Sen. Kelly: All right. Well, thank you. So, anything else once you submit the award? Can they then just immediately begin construction?    Commissioner Doomes: Yes, we expect that the construction schedule for that project will be about 3 years. So, we expect a notice to proceed to happen shortly thereafter the award in September.    Sen. Kelly: So, you think it’ll take three years that includes the new commercial port and the modernization of the existing port?    Commissioner Doomes: Well, to be clear, Senator, the Douglas commercial construction start is estimated for September of 2025, but the Raul Hector Castro estimated construction start date is January 2027.    Sen. Kelly: And then the expectation is within three years of 2025 or 2027, the whole thing will be complete?    Commissioner Doomes: The Douglas will be done three years from September 2025 and the Raul Hector Castro will be done by January 2030.    Sen. Kelly: All right, thank you. And I understand that you’re working with both the city of Douglas and the State of Arizona to make sure that the new commercial port has the needed roadway and utility connections. I’ll note that my office has been working closely with the with the city and state as well to make sure that we’re able to provide these connections. In fact, one of my top priorities for this year’s appropriations process is securing the roadway funding for the new port of entry. Will you commit to keeping my office up to date on discussions that GSA is having with the city and state on any additional infrastructure needs for the Douglas port?    Commissioner Doomes: Absolutely, Mr. Chairman. Region 9 is in regular communication with the Arizona Department of Transportation, and county officials in the city of Douglas. In June of 2024, GSA received confirmation that the Arizona State Transportation Board approved the revised five-year transportation facilities construction program that included funding requests for the James Ranch Rd. connector and other improvements along SR-80. And this commitment to seek funds is a positive step towards the Arizona Department of Transportation providing the necessary support infrastructure to make that port operational. GSA will continue to follow up on these infrastructure commitments and I am committing that our Region 9 office will stay in constant communication with you as we move along the process.    Sen. Kelly: Well, thank you. This is important because it allows us to try to stay and get ahead of any additional need to make sure these are completed on time.    Sen. Kelly: All right, we may come back to that, but for now I recognize Senator Cramer for five minutes.      See below a transcript of Kelly’s exchange with Commissioner Doomes on the San Luis port of entry:    Sen. Kelly: And again, on the San Luis Port of Entry, you know earlier we talked about the completion dates for Douglas and Raul. Is San Luis still on track for 2028 completion?    Commissioner Doomes: Right now, Senator, the planned completion date for this project remains April of 2029. The contractor broke ground earlier than originally planned, and we will continue to work closely with them and our federal customers to finish the project sooner, if at all possible.    Sen. Kelly: All right. Thank you.

Crane Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Ratify Historic Tribal Water Settlement

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Washington, DC — This morning, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) cosponsored legislation to ratify the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The agreement would address a persistent and dire water issue by securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The settlement would provide clean water for the impacted Tribes, as well as authorizing them to lease their water and create economic opportunities in Northern Arizona. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds to acquire, build, and maintain essential water development and delivery projects, including a distribution pipeline. In total, the Tribes would be guaranteed access to over 56,000 acre-feet of water from outside the State of Arizona. The ratifying bill also includes legislation authored by Rep. Crane—The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribal Homelands Act—establishing a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The Tribe is currently the only federally recognized Tribe in Arizona without a homeland.   “I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of lawmakers who are working to provide life-sustaining water delivery systems for the involved Tribes in Arizona. As the representative for the impacted communities, I’ve worked with Tribal leaders, in addition to State, County, and city officials in the district, during the formation of this legislation,” said Rep. Crane. “The final passage of this legislation would be a meaningful win for Northern Arizonans, who I’m proud to fight for on a daily basis.”

Crane Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Ratify Historic Tribal Water Settlement

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
Washington, DC — This morning, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) cosponsored legislation to ratify the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The agreement would address a persistent and dire water issue by securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The settlement would provide clean water for the impacted Tribes, as well as authorizing them to lease their water and create economic opportunities in Northern Arizona. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds to acquire, build, and maintain essential water development and delivery projects, including a distribution pipeline. In total, the Tribes would be guaranteed access to over 56,000 acre-feet of water from outside the State of Arizona. The ratifying bill also includes legislation authored by Rep. Crane—The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribal Homelands Act—establishing a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The Tribe is currently the only federally recognized Tribe in Arizona without a homeland.   “I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of lawmakers who are working to provide life-sustaining water delivery systems for the involved Tribes in Arizona. As the representative for the impacted communities, I’ve worked with Tribal leaders, in addition to State, County, and city officials in the district, during the formation of this legislation,” said Rep. Crane. “The final passage of this legislation would be a meaningful win for Northern Arizonans, who I’m proud to fight for on a daily basis.”

Governor Hobbs Applauds Landmark Tribal Water Rights Settlement Legislation Introduced in Congress

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs voiced her support for the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024.

 

“The State of Arizona is thrilled to support the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act which will, at long last, provide access to safe, reliable water supplies to the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This legislation is a testament to the tireless efforts all parties have made as we usher in a new era of collaboration between the State, tribal partners, and all Arizona communities who will benefit from the certainty and security that will come from achieving this historic water settlement.

 

“One year ago I became the first sitting Governor to address the Navajo Nation Council on its historic 100th legislative anniversary, and at that time I made a commitment that the State would be a partner in tackling tough water issues. I’m proud to say we have delivered on this promise, and we are celebrating the achievement of this critical milestone. There is more work yet to be done, and we will continue to fight to ensure that all Arizonans have access to clean, reliable, sustainable water supplies.” 

 

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement and Legislation are the product of monumental efforts by the three Tribes, the United States, the State, municipalities, and numerous other non-Tribal water users to reach agreement on settlement of some of the largest outstanding tribal water rights claims to Colorado River water, in-state surface water, and groundwater supplies in Arizona. Settlement of these claims will put an end to decades of conflict and lawsuits, and ensure reliable, sustainable water supplies to the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. 

 

Water delivery infrastructure projects that will be funded through this settlement will begin to help alleviate the lack of safe, clean water supplies and water delivery systems for members of all three Tribes. The infrastructure projects funded through this settlement will contribute to the process of ensuring that all Arizona residents have access to clean running water in their homes.

 

Under Governor Hobbs’ leadership, the State of Arizona has jump-started tribal water right settlement discussions with commitment to reaching resolution as a cooperative partner, and removing barriers and roadblocks to settlement that have caused agreements to languish for years. Notably, the Governor reversed an antiquated policy that infringed upon tribal sovereignty and had restricted lands from being taken into trust for Tribes through the federal administrative process as a condition of a water rights settlement.

Governor Hobbs Applauds Landmark Tribal Water Rights Settlement Legislation Introduced in Congress

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs voiced her support for the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024.

 

“The State of Arizona is thrilled to support the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act which will, at long last, provide access to safe, reliable water supplies to the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This legislation is a testament to the tireless efforts all parties have made as we usher in a new era of collaboration between the State, tribal partners, and all Arizona communities who will benefit from the certainty and security that will come from achieving this historic water settlement.

 

“One year ago I became the first sitting Governor to address the Navajo Nation Council on its historic 100th legislative anniversary, and at that time I made a commitment that the State would be a partner in tackling tough water issues. I’m proud to say we have delivered on this promise, and we are celebrating the achievement of this critical milestone. There is more work yet to be done, and we will continue to fight to ensure that all Arizonans have access to clean, reliable, sustainable water supplies.” 

 

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement and Legislation are the product of monumental efforts by the three Tribes, the United States, the State, municipalities, and numerous other non-Tribal water users to reach agreement on settlement of some of the largest outstanding tribal water rights claims to Colorado River water, in-state surface water, and groundwater supplies in Arizona. Settlement of these claims will put an end to decades of conflict and lawsuits, and ensure reliable, sustainable water supplies to the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. 

 

Water delivery infrastructure projects that will be funded through this settlement will begin to help alleviate the lack of safe, clean water supplies and water delivery systems for members of all three Tribes. The infrastructure projects funded through this settlement will contribute to the process of ensuring that all Arizona residents have access to clean running water in their homes.

 

Under Governor Hobbs’ leadership, the State of Arizona has jump-started tribal water right settlement discussions with commitment to reaching resolution as a cooperative partner, and removing barriers and roadblocks to settlement that have caused agreements to languish for years. Notably, the Governor reversed an antiquated policy that infringed upon tribal sovereignty and had restricted lands from being taken into trust for Tribes through the federal administrative process as a condition of a water rights settlement.

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