Friday, Oct 7 2011 9:18PM
Many are concerned about legislation that might halt water access, for local economies.
The Tucson Sentinel reports rural communities in Arizona are pressing for the creation of a river district that would represent their interests, such as substantial access to affordable water sources.
Kingman, Arizona, Mayor John Salem noted it would benefit the city to be grouped with others of similar size and scope. River district supporters seem pleased by the idea of being represented separately from urban areas.
However, Lake Havasu city manager Charlie Cassens expressed that federal support is needed to get the rural communities' message across.
"It’s important to us to have representation at the federal level that recognizes the value that the river brings to this community and others like ours," Cassens told the paper.
He added his community and others depend on the river economically, stating it provides millions of dollars in revenues each year.
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is considering the suggestion, and multiple other proposals regarding how to arrange the districts.
One proposal would have compensated by including rural areas of central Arizona, creating the second-largest district in the state. A representative might find it difficult to represent all the towns interests under those circumstances, a county supervisor noted.
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The Tucson Sentinel