Legislative District 4 Representatives Pamela Carter and Matt Gress have announced their support for HB 2116, a bill aimed at enhancing Arizona’s ability to protect its rights to the Colorado River. The legislation proposes an increase of $1,000,000 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund. This measure passed the Arizona House of Representatives with a unanimous vote of 56 to 0 and now moves to the Arizona Senate.
The bill comes amid ongoing negotiations over the future of the Colorado River, which is crucial for cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale that rely on water from the Central Arizona Project. Upper Basin states have expressed intentions to reduce CAP deliveries before accepting cuts themselves, despite their obligations under the 1922 Colorado River Compact.
Representative Pamela Carter emphasized the importance of securing a reliable water supply for Arizona residents. “We must ensure a safe and reliable water supply for our residents,” she said. She noted that if other states do not honor the Compact, Arizona must be prepared for potential litigation. “HB 2116 ensures Arizona is not caught flat-footed if negotiations fail and litigation becomes unavoidable.”
The Colorado River Litigation Fund was established by the Arizona Legislature in 2025 as a precautionary measure against possible legal disputes over water apportionment. Projections suggest that Upper Basin states might not meet their delivery commitments in coming years. The proposed funding would only be utilized if legal action becomes necessary.
Representative Matt Gress highlighted the necessity of being prepared for potential court cases over water rights. “No one wants to go to court over water, but ignoring the risk of litigation would be irresponsible,” he said. He stressed that this funding enables Arizona to defend its rights if negotiations do not yield a fair agreement.
Carter was elected as a Republican representative in 2025, succeeding Laura Terech in representing Arizona’s 4th House District.
Follow Representatives Pamela Carter and Matt Gress on X at @PamelaCarter888 and @MatthewGress.
