Governor Hobbs appoints Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman to WIFA

Governor Hobbs appoints Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority BoardPhoto bySamara DooleonUnsplash

PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs today announced the appointment of Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) Board of Directors.

This announcement comes just months after WIFA faced a significant funding reduction in the fiscal year 2025 budget, which cut nearly $500 million in crucial water infrastructure funding.

“Patrice Horstman has demonstrated a career of service to Arizona and has been a tireless advocate for rural communities and responsible water management,” Governor Hobbs said.

“Her expertise and perspective will be of great value to the WIFA Board of Directors as they continue to pursue WIFA’s critical mission of funding water conservation, reuse, augmentation, and infrastructure needs throughout Arizona.”

Horstman, an attorney with over four decades of experience in Indian law and natural resource management, is known for her advocacy for rural Arizona

She currently serves on the Bureau of Land Management’s Arizona Resource Advisory Council and holds leadership roles within the National Association of Counties.

“I am truly honored by the governor’s appointment to the WIFA Board, and I look forward to working on innovative and creative opportunities for Arizona’s water needs,” Horstman said.

Deep Cuts

In June, Hobbs signed the budget passed by Arizona lawmakers, which reduced WIFA’s funding by $490 million, including a $430 million cut from the Long-Term Augmentation Fund.

The reduction also slashed $60 million from funds earmarked for water supply development in rural communities.

These cuts arrived at a critical time, as WIFA had been making progress in developing strategic investments to secure Arizona's long-term water supply, according to WIFA.

Despite the budget constraints, WIFA continues to refine its competitive solicitation process to attract outside investment in long-term water augmentation projects.

However, these deep funding cuts raise concerns about the state’s commitment to securing Arizona's future water resources, according to WIFA.

"Despite a clear need for water security solutions for rural Arizona, this budget also cuts $60 million from the only state funds set aside exclusively for water supply development projects in the rural communities who need it the most," WIFA said in a press release dated June 19, 2024.