STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Representative David Cook (R-8) today announced his intention to introduce legislation next session to boost Pinal County’s economic development by addressing concerns with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR).

Pinal County has an estimated 14 assured water supply permit applications that have been pending at ADWR for several years.

“Something has got to be done to help Pinal County stay on track,” said Representative Cook. “Too many times government gets in the way of businesses by implementing burdensome regulations, cloaked in the name of ‘safeguards’ that stand in the way of progress. As I consider the need for legislation, I believe that a list of qualified public/private sector and public/private organizations should be put together for public stakeholder meetings. This would create a coalition to assist in whatever steps are necessary.”

Representative Cook anticipates holding stakeholder meetings that would start late summer or early fall.

“Pinal County is at a disadvantage in competing with counties like Maricopa and Pima, not because of workforce development, quality of life, geographic location, opportunity, or equal taxation, but because ADWR is holding these permits hostage.”   back...