La Paz County supervisors recognized state Representative Leo Biasushi on July 21 for sponsoring and helping pass House Bill 2727, a measure the meeting transcript says grants La Paz County 4,500 acre‑feet of water per year.

The plaque presentation came during the supervisors' regular meeting after Supervisor Erwin introduced Biasushi and thanked him for leading the effort in the recent legislative session. The transcript records Biasushi describing a multiyear effort to secure access to the Harquihala basin and saying the bill allows La Paz County to “use, sell, or lease” the allotted water.

Why this matters: supervisors said the allocation is unusual and could give La Paz County new authority over water resources. In his remarks, Biasushi summarized the bill's history and said the change positions La Paz County to manage that water supply. The transcript quotes him saying a senator told him, “I cannot believe that you literally made La Paz County a water authority,” language Biasushi relayed while describing the bill's effect.

Details from the meeting: Biasushi said the work began with earlier bills and that two years of effort preceded the successful passage this session. He named Representative Gina Cobb, Senator Borelli, Representative John Gillette (cosponsor), Senator Hildy Angus (cosponsor in the senate), and Senator Tim Dunn (supporter) in recounting the coalition that moved the bill. He also said water transfers out of the Harquihala basin to urban areas were occurring in real time, and described the result as a long‑term effort to protect rural access.

What supervisors said: Supervisor Erwin was singled out by the board for leading the local effort. The board chair noted appreciation for Biasushi and the other legislators who supported the bill.

Next steps and limitations: the transcript records that agreements with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and intercounty transfer activity are ongoing; supervisors and Biasushi described transfers to Buckeye and Queen Creek as already happening out of the same basin. The meeting contained no formal action or vote related to the bill; the board presented plaques and offered thanks.

A forward note: supervisors framed the bill as a policy milestone for the county but did not adopt any implementing local ordinance or new administrative program during the session recorded in the transcript.