In a move that's signaling Pinal County's proactive stance on its water crisis, District 2 Supervisor Mike Goodman took to the skies. A recent helicopter tour had the county official scrutinizing the Salt River Project's (SRP) watershed, a critical source of hydration for the county's residents and a lifeline for its agricultural and commercial sectors.
Flying over landmarks like the Tonto Basin and a trio of dams – Horseshoe, Bartlett, and Roosevelt – Goodman inspected the sprawling infrastructure designed to harness and distribute water throughout the region. While over the SRP-CAP interconnection facility (SCIF), which is the linchpin connecting the Salt River with the Central Arizona Project for distribution, he examined the facilities. According to a video released by the county, through this aerial vantage point, Goodman witnessed first-hand how these structures are being utilized to conserve water and secure its delivery.
The significance of this tour isn't just in the flight or the mechanics of water supply but in the intentions and actions it precedes. As highlighted in the video obtained from the Pinal County's official website, the Supervisor got a brief on upcoming initiatives aimed at bolstering the water infrastructure – efforts that are indispensable for the county's enduring struggle with drought and growing demand.
Goodman, who is charged with overseeing the future of the county's lifeblood – its water supply, recognizes the gravity of the situation. In comments made during the tour, captured in the county's video release, he expressed a keen understanding that the plans for infrastructural improvements are more than upgrades; they are a requisite for survival in the sun-scorched expanses of Pinal County.
The significance of Goodman's tour underscores the county's acknowledgment that a sustainable future hinges on the state of its water resources. With the watershed's current capacity and conservation measures taken into account, the urgent need for enhancements becomes clear. The video, along with further details regarding Supervisor Goodman's tour and Pinal County’s plans for water infrastructure improvements, is available on the county's website.
