Mohave County accepts $2 million WIFA award to build Hualapai aquifer infiltration basins

Mohave County supervisors unanimously approved acceptance of a $2,000,000 grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) on April 7 to design and construct recharge and rapid infiltration basins in the Molineux Valley Groundwater Basin as part of the county’s Hualapai aquifer infiltration basins program.

Director Holtry and flood‑district engineer Randy (on the call) told the board the WIFA award is a grant, not a loan, and will fund construction for at least one of several planned basins. The county described three basins that together are estimated to infiltrate roughly 40–50 acre‑feet per year once built; the Felspar Basin currently under contract is estimated at about 15 acre‑feet per year based on a scientific study. Staff noted the basins’ capacity figures are drawn from site‑specific studies for some basins and are estimates for others.

Supervisor Gould questioned cost‑per‑acre‑foot and said county policy should consider requiring developers to help fund recharge or onsite capture. Gould noted that 15 acre‑feet roughly equates to supply for about 45 homes and urged cost‑benefit or alternative analyses, including rainwater harvesting, be considered as part of regional planning.

The board approved the grant acceptance and authorized the chair to sign the WIFA agreement. Staff said the award will help move the project forward while the county works out remaining land and state coordination issues.

Ending: The board accepted the grant; construction planning will proceed and staff will return with details on timing and coordination with landowners and state agencies.