In spite of its legitimate “birth” in federal law in Nov.,
2005 (Title II of the Northern Arizona Land Exchange) the Verde River
Basin Partnership has never received funding to fulfill its designated
role (..“a collaborative and science based water resource and management
Partnership for the Verde River Basin..”). In the Partnership’s
formative stage (2006-07), our Congressional representatives, Senators
McCain and Kyl and Rep. Renzi, cited disagreement and political conflict
among authorized Partnership members as a reason for not seeking federal
funds. To her discredit, our new Congesswoman, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, has
given the same veto power to two municipalities and two Yavapai County
Supervisors who have refused to take their seat on the Partnership despite
repeated invitations to do so.
Disregarding the lack of funding, the Partnership members have some important
accomplishments: the creation of by-laws, a functioning organizational
structure, a broad membership (specified inTitle II), and a professional
Technical Advisory Committee (creator of a scientific plan to study water
flows and resources in the Verde River Basin).
At its meeting in August, the Partnership increased its membership by
accepting the application of the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation. The members
gave the Communication and Coordinating Committees the task of devising
a renewed grass roots effort to seek federal funding in the 2011 budget.
Specific measures will be publicized at Verde River Days in September.
All the members of the VRCA are encouraged to take part in this campaign
during the coming months.
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