HB 2541 Summary

• Establishes the Arizona System Conservation Fund administered by the Director of Water Resources, funded by legislative appropriations, grants, and contributions from public and private entities.

• Authorizes the director to contract with Colorado River water users holding entitlements under the Arizona v. California decree to forgo water deliveries to create system conservation and maintain Lake Mead water levels.

• Appropriates $30,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2019-2020 to the Arizona System Conservation Fund, with monies continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing provisions.

• Requires the director to submit annual reports beginning July 1, 2021 to the governor, legislative leaders, and secretary of state describing fund expenditures and the volume of water conserved in Lake Mead.

• Repeals the statute establishing the fund on March 31, 2027, making this a temporary authorization.