Gov. Lewis Joins Western Governors’ Association Panel on Prosperity

Velia Moncada

Gila River Indian News

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis participated in the Western Governors’ Association’s (WGA)-Western Prosperity forum, as a keynote speaker and panelist on April 24. The event was hosted at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Thunderbird School of Global Management.

“My message today is not about how well we are managing our small section of our region, but to call each of you out to redouble your efforts and join us in finding common sense solutions to our common problem of dwindling water supplies and increasing needs,” Gov. Lewis told the audience.

The WGA membership includes governors of the 22 westernmost U.S. states and territories. The association focuses on bipartisan policy development, information exchange, and collective action on critical issues in the west.

As a panelist, Gov. Lewis provided insights into strategies for fostering prosperity across the western states regarding emerging energy opportunities for rural communities.

The Governor said one of the strongest examples practiced by GRIC is its Solar-Over-Canal Project agreement. The Community’s partnerships with the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are expected to produce approximately 2 MW (1.3 MW at the Casa Blanca Canal project and .76 MW at the I-10 project) of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers. 

“We have invested heavily in our on-reservation infrastructure, seeking to put every drop of our water to the best use possible,” Gov. Lewis continued. “The Akimel O’otham – the river people - and I are proud to carry on the tradition of my ancestors of responding to adversity with innovation, partnership, and hard work.”

For more information regarding the WGA, visit https://westgov.org. If you’re interested in learning more information regarding the Solar-Over-Canal Project please visit https://www.doi.gov.