WIFA Evaluates Augmentation Proposals
The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) of Arizona concluded phase 1 of its Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund (LTWAF) program by selecting for further evaluation seven proposed projects designed to develop, store, or deliver new water supplies or to stretch existing supplies. Three of the projects propose construction of desalination facilities, two would treat wastewater to drinking water standards, one would create agricultural water savings, and another would involve groundwater recharge of surplus runoff. In phase 2, the program provides funding for the proposing companies to rigorously review their projects' feasibility and provide a detailed report that considers engineering, environmental and cultural impacts, regulatory and permitting requirements, community impacts, and financing. These reviews will allow WIFA and potential LTWAF partners to compare and evaluate the proposed projects and select the most advantageous ones to be funded. WIFA has allocated 18 to 24 months for this process, before making a final selection of projects to be financed with program funding. Public input on the proposed water augmentation projects can be submitted through WIFA’s general public comment form.