This week's report will be short and to the point.  I spent Thursday night through Sunday morning in Beaver Dam attending the Administrative Law Hearing regarding the potential transfer of water from Arizona to Nevada.  The hearing lasted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.  The hearing continued on Sunday, but I had to return to Bullhead City so I could catch my flight to Phoenix at 5:00 p.m. to be in the House Monday morning.  What a weekend!

I learned more over these two days about hydrology and geology than I could ever have imagined.  Even though the days were long, the testimony was riveting as Wind River Resources defended their application and the representatives from ADWR (AZ Dept. of Water Resources) picked it apart.  I was fearful that the department would try to be "neutral" in the proceedings, but I am happy to report that the folks were absolutely aggressive in refuting the claims and studies presented by the applicant.  The staff's recommendation is for denial for a variety of administrative and substantive reasons.  But the ultimate decision rests with the determination of the ALJ and beyond that with the Director of ADWR.  I don't know how long it will take for the decision(s) to be rendered, but I will keep you informed.  I was permitted to make some remarks in the portion of the hearing reserved for comments from "interested persons."  I have posted them on the "Issues and Answers" page on this web site.

Also in Beaver Dam were Shari Farrington from Trent Franks' office and Sue Donohue, Supervisor Buster Johnson's assistant.  The residents were very appreciative that they had the support of all levels of their representation.

All of my bills are being held in the Rules Committee for a variety of reasons.  There is a committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Monday) but I haven't had a chance to check the agenda to see if any of mine are there. 

We're starting to hear bills that have come over from the Senate, but at least there aren't any more Appropriations Sub-committee meetings.  Now we're meeting in small groups to discuss the issues that we feel are important to be included or removed.  It's a long, slow process, but I don't think it will take as long as last year.

Until next week,

Nancy McLain