Arizona Supreme Court Upholds State Water Rights, Affirms Gosar Legislation

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Arizona Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and upheld the agreements codified by the Congressman's legislation, H.R. 4924 , the Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act, Public Law No: 113-223, paving the way for the settlement of certain claims within the Bill Williams River Watershed among the Hualapai Tribe, the United States, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Freeport-McMoRan:

"Today's opinion by the Arizona Supreme Court upholds state water rights and affirms ADWR's critical role in protecting these rights. I'm disappointed that the plaintiffs in the original case asserted a number of baseless claims at taxpayer expense in seeking to prevent a private water rights settlement which has significant benefits for local waters users and the State of Arizona. This unnecessary legal challenge could have easily been avoided but unfortunately the Mohave County Supervisors have potentially put Arizona taxpayers on the hook for even more fees resulting from this frivolous lawsuit and today's loss in court.

"Moving forward, I believe this case can serve as a teachable moment for Arizona's citizens, water users and Supervisors throughout the state. Rather than trying to upend a water rights settlement paid for with private money and involving private property, we should all work together and encourage commonsense solutions that benefit all parties. Above all else, today's ruling is a win for private property owners, the Hualapai Tribe and the people of the great state of Arizona."

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