IID once again prepares to defend water rights
Coachella County wants access to Valley water - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) finds itself on the defense once more. This time it's protecting Imperial Valley's water from the Coachella County.
Assemblyman Chad Mayes (I-Yucca Valley) recently put a bill before the state legislature, that would give a Coachella representative a seat on the board. IID's Vice President J.B Hamby says that this isn't necessary.
“Whats happened over time is that there have been calls for representation on the IID board that would include Coachella valley rate peers having a say over Imperial Valley water rights, and that is a non starter it doesn’t work," he said.
Hamby adds Imperial County's water is Imperial County's business of the Imperial Valley. He believes Valley residents should be the only ones with a say over Valley water.
The IID board has come up with an alternative. It proposes creating a commission that would improve both communication and cooperation between the counties.
“This resolution that the board passed this week will create a Coachella Valley Energy Commission composed of the diverse array of Coachella Valley representatives on Coachella Valley specific issues and planning the longer future of continuing energy services in the Coachella Valley," Hamby said.
Hamby also says If this bill continues in the legislature, the IID would discontinue service to the Coachella County.
Former Coachella Councilmember Emmanuel Martinez is now on the IID, he too disagrees with the attempts of his city to gain control on Imperial Valley’s Water.
“I think it is unfortunate that we have a few power hungry leaders in Coachella Valley," he said.
Currently, the bill is in legislature and looks make its way to the senate. If the bill isn't pulled and the effort to control Imperial County's water continues, the IID will execute an "exit plan" from the Coachella County. This may result in higher bills for Coachella County residents.
