Committee backs $50 million from lottery for on‑farm irrigation program, extends pilot
Summary
The committee recommended sending $50 million in remaining state lottery funds to an on‑farm irrigation efficiency program and extended the program's repeal date after University of Arizona and ag stakeholders detailed water savings and private match.
The Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee returned House Bill 22‑73, which would deposit $50 million of remaining state lottery funds in fiscal years 2026–27 into the On‑Farm Irrigation Efficiency Fund, with a due‑pass recommendation.
University of Arizona testimony: Dr. Ethan Orr, director of the Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center, summarized the program created with prior appropriations and said the university’s team has worked with growers to convert flood irrigation to more efficient systems. He reported an estimated 48,541 acre‑feet of annual savings projected by the program — a figure he said is 33% better in measured audits than projections — and described a low public cost per acre‑foot saved ($26.23 amortized) compared with alternatives such as desalination or distant augmentation.
Local and industry support: Jeff Sandquist and representatives of United Dairymen, growers and industry groups testified in favor of continuing the program; witnesses said farmers have also invested matching funds (about $19 million) and that the extension will accommodate grant reporting and ongoing projects.
Extension passed: The committee also returned House Bill 26‑38, which moves the pilot’s repeal date from 2027 to 2038 to allow multi‑year projects to complete reporting; the motion passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous support as noted in the roll calls.
Votes at a glance
- HB 22‑73 (deposit $50 million of remaining lottery funds to On‑Farm Irrigation Efficiency Fund) — Passed, due pass; vote 9 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. - HB 26‑38 (extend pilot program repeal date to Jan. 1, 2038) — Passed, due pass; vote 9 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Why it matters: Orr said the program saves water at low public cost, leverages private matching, and targets high‑use irrigation districts. Committee members praised the program’s cost‑effectiveness and the Cooperative Extension’s role; several asked for program tracking and stronger reporting on long‑term results.
Ending: The bills advance to the House floor; sponsors and the University of Arizona said they will provide additional program performance data for members and the budget office.
