Jerome, AZ- On November 2, 2009 the Verde River Basin Partnership (Partnership) held its annual meeting. The Partnership is authorized under federal legislation to conduct science-based water studies within the Verde River Basin. Its membership is made up of cities, towns, state and federal agencies and various community groups within the Verde River Basin. The Partnership was created by Congress as a promise in response to an intense outpouring of public concern expressed during a series of meetings held on the Northern Arizona Land Exchange. The concern as expressed by thousands of citizens over this issue was recognized in United States Senator McCain's Cottonwood Journal (12/10/2003) statement: "I have never been involved with a more complex issue or more emotional issue than this for the State."
The objective of the scientific studies is to provide information and a predictive regional groundwater modeling tool so water managers and elected officials will not have to rely on outdated studies. The federal legislation authorized funding for the scientific studies that has not been forthcoming. These studies are important so the citizens of the Verde River Basin can identify impacts from growth, be secure that water will be available and sustainable, develop water infrastructure and protect citizens quality of life.
During the meeting the membership was informed about the recent launch of its outreach campaign for citizen's support to obtain necessary funding from Congress. The Partnership is requesting supporting letters from citizens to participate in identifying and protecting their water resources. Additional information is available on the Partnership website at www.verderiverbasinpartnership.org . Those present were informed that the Partnership had sent letters to the Arizona Congressional Delegation and the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior requesting funding for 5.4 million dollars.
Members also heard a report from Jim Leenhouts, Associate Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Arizona Water Science Center, regarding the newly revised Hydrology Science Plan prepared by the USGS in cooperation with the Partnership. The Plan, which can be seen at www.verderiverbasinpartnership.org, is the cornerstone of this renewed effort by the Partnership to obtain federal funding for the USGS scientific work. The plan was updated to take advantage of the important advances represented in the Northern Arizona regional groundwater model, developed by the USGS. The modifications to the earlier (2006) USGS-Partnership Hydrology Science Plan are largely directed toward strengthening the regional groundwater model and increasing its predictive capability by filling some critical scientific data gaps.
Partnership business at the Annual Meeting also included the election of seven at -large members of the Coordinating Committee. At-large members now beginning a one-year term are: Dan Campbell of The Nature Conservancy; Tony Gioia, former Mayor of Camp Verde; Dee Hines, Prescott National Forest Verde District Ranger; Chris Hoy, President of the Prescott-based Citizen's Water Advocacy Group; Bob Luzius, Prescott City Councilman; Tom O'Halleran, Former District 1 State Senator; and Doug Von Gausig, Mayor of Clarkdale. Additional members of the committee are: its chair, Dr. Ed Wolfe, who is also Chair of the Technical Advisory Group; and Dorothy O'Brien, Chair of the Communications Committee.
For more information or to learn how you can send a letter of support, go to the Partnership website www.verderiverbasinpartnership.org .
