Prescott Valley — The Town Council voted unanimously April 20 to authorize Mayor Kell Palguta to sign a resolution allowing staff to submit an application to the Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) seeking $664,358.20 to test a stormwater recharge pilot project.

Town staff described a two-basin test: one control basin and one fitted with a vertical-infiltration system staff referred to as "parjana," consisting of shaft-like elements driven into the ground to speed infiltration. Staff said the shafts can be different sizes and may extend as much as 40 feet underground; the pilot will compare infiltration rates between the two basins.

The project presentation said West Consultants would construct the basins and install the technology. Staff also reported letters of support from the local Citizens Water Advocacy Group and from U.S. Representative Paul Gosar's office (noted in staff materials as Representative Wynne in the transcript). The staff report stated the likely funding structure would be partly grant and partly loan; staff corrected an initial misstatement and said the application is expected to seek roughly a 40% grant and a 60% loan through WIFA, but that exact terms will depend on WIFA’s review.

Council members asked technical and programmatic questions during the presentation. A council member asked whether the technology could be applied to private homes; staff said alternatives exist for homeowners and that the pilot is focused on town-owned basins and potential future basin design. Council members also asked about material life expectancy, visibility of installed shafts, and whether WIFA sometimes forgives portions of loans; staff said WIFA programs can include partially forgivable principal or a mix of grant and loan depending on qualifications, and that the town expects a decision from WIFA in or around June following the agency’s ranking process.

The motion to authorize submission of the application (Resolution No. 2025-2417) passed unanimously.

The council did not approve construction funding at the meeting; staff emphasized the application could result in a mix of grant and loan financing and that final terms would be set by WIFA.

Ending: If approved by WIFA, the pilot would provide data on whether the tested infiltration method increases groundwater recharge relative to conventional basins; staff said they will return with details about funding terms and implementation if the application is successful.