La Paz County Protests Transfer of Colorado River Water to Queen Creek

The La Paz County Board of Supervisors agenda posted November 13, 2025 placed a formal item on the regular meeting of November 17, 2025 directing discussion and possible action to send a letter of opposition to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The agenda described a planned objection to a proposed permanent transfer of Colorado River 4th priority water from Greenstone RP, identified as GSC Farms, LLC, to the Town of Queen Creek. The document noted the county has longstanding concerns about river communities losing Colorado River entitlement through private transfers.

The agenda item appeared under the regular agenda as item 7 and referenced supporting materials and context in items 6 through 13. The county posted the full agenda as the official public notice that the Board would consider the letter and related actions at its November 17 meeting. The notice provided logistical information for the meeting and the precise language of the proposed agenda item.

The proposal, if approved at the federal level, would allow a private entity to permanently convey a portion of its Colorado River entitlement to a growing municipality located outside La Paz County. The Bureau of Reclamation has authority over transfers and other interstate transactions involving Colorado River water, making federal review central to the outcome. For La Paz County leaders the central policy concern is precedent. Permanent transfers from agricultural or private holders to municipal entities can reduce the water available to river dependent communities, complicate local water planning, and affect agriculture that relies on established entitlements.

For La Paz County residents the issue touches daily life and local economies. Changes to Colorado River allocations can affect irrigation supplies, groundwater management, and economic stability in farming and ranching communities. The county Board of Supervisors signaling opposition reflects efforts to protect local entitlements and to press federal decision makers to weigh community impacts.

Residents seeking more information or wishing to engage with county officials can consult the La Paz County Board of Supervisors agenda posted November 13, 2025 for full details on the item and supporting documents. Public oversight and participation in upcoming meetings will shape how the county pursues formal objections in its interactions with the Bureau of Reclamation.