04/16/2026
Pinal Partnership and Attesa are very encouraged by meaningful progress at the state level as Arizona continues to confront its long-term water challenges.
On April 13, 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs signed 32 bills into law before announcing a temporary moratorium on further bill signings amid an ongoing budget impasse. Notably, three of those enacted measures directly address water—an issue that remains foundational to the future of Pinal County and the state as a whole.
Among the water-related legislation signed were HB 2029, which enhances transparency and accountability for water conservation grant funding; HB 2098, a critical measure enabling the creation of county water augmentation authorities with bonding capabilities; and HB 2117, which supports the Natural Resource Conservation Board and its associated funding mechanisms. Together, these bills represent a coordinated effort to provide both oversight and innovation in how Arizona manages and expands its water resources.
Attesa especially recognizes the significance of HB 2098. This legislation provides counties with a powerful, locally driven tool to finance and implement water augmentation projects—an essential step toward securing reliable, long-term water supplies. With the ability to issue bonds tied to augmentation efforts, counties like Pinal can take proactive control of their water future, supporting continued economic growth, housing development, and overall sustainability.
“Water security is foundational to Arizona’s future, and especially to fast-growing regions like Pinal County,” said Pinal Partnership President and CEO Craig McFarland. “We are grateful to Governor Hobbs and the Legislature for their leadership in advancing a practical, forward-looking solution that empowers counties to take action and invest in their water future.”
The passage of HB 2098 reflects strong collaboration among state leaders, local governments, and key stakeholders, all working toward flexible and innovative solutions to Arizona’s water challenges. Pinal Partnership also extends its appreciation to legislative champions, including Senator TJ Shope and Representative Gail Griffin, for their leadership and commitment in guiding the bill to bipartisan approval.
“This is a meaningful step forward for Pinal County and for Arizona,” McFarland added. “We look forward to working with partners across the region to support implementation and ensure these new authorities deliver real, lasting impact.”
As Pinal County continues to grow, these legislative advancements mark an important milestone in building a more secure and sustainable water future for generations to come.
