City News
Peoria Invests in Water Security with $63.5M Project for New Wells Near Lake Pleasant IN A FORWARD-THINKING MOVE TO SAFEGUARD ITS WATER FUTURE, THE CITY OF PEORIA HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO CONSTRUCT FIVE NEW WATER WELLS AND A BOOSTER PUMP STATION, A PROJECT AIMED AT FORTIFYING THE CITY’S WATER SUPPLY AMIDST ONGOING DROUGHT CONDITIONS. Strategically located north of Loop 303 and west of Lake Pleasant Parkway, these new wells are designed to act as a reserve in worst-case scenarios, particularly in the event of reduced water allocations from the Colorado River. This initiative marks a significant step in Peoria’s long-term strategy of storing and accumulating renewable water sources to meet the growing demands of its expanding community. The selected site, south of the Central Arizona Project
(CAP) Canal, emerged as a prime location following exploratory water sampling drills, which revealed the area’s abundance of high-quality water reserves, surpassing initial expectations.
Collaboration is key in this endeavor. The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), the primary landowner in the project area, along with other local stakeholders, are actively involved in the development process, ensuring smooth progress in establishing the well sites and necessary road access for infrastructure. Funded through a combination of loans and grants from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), including a COVID-19 Stimulus grant, the project carries an estimated cost of $63.5 million. This financial package underscores the project’s
significance and the city’s commitment to securing its water resources.
Scheduled to break ground next year, the construction of these new wells is set for completion by spring 2026. This project not only represents a critical investment in Peoria’s water infrastructure but also serves as a proactive response to the challenges posed by climate change and regional water scarcity. By bolstering its water reserves with these new wells, Peoria is taking a significant leap towards ensuring a reliable water supply for its residents, even in the face of uncertain environmental conditions. This initiative positions the city as a leader in sustainable water management, setting an example for communities grappling with similar challenges.
Peoria’s Cheryl Wilson Wins National Book Award with Canine-Centric Mystery Series Photos courtesy of Cheryl Wilson CHERYL WILSON, A PEORIA-BASED AUTHOR KNOWN FOR HER UNIQUE BLEND OF CANINE WHIMSY AND MYSTERY, HAS RECENTLY CLINCHED TOP HONORS AT THE BOOKFEST AND READERS’ FAVORITE AWARDS.
Her book “Doodled to Death,” part of a beloved seven-book series, fetched the first-place award in the “Cozy Fiction” category. Set against the fictional backdrop of Barkview, California, touted as America’s most dog-friendly town, Wilson’s narratives weave intricate murder mysteries with a lighthearted touch. In Barkview, dog culture reigns supreme, from bakeries churning out dog treats like “caninolis” to “pupscream” shops dotting the boardwalk, and even KDOG, a local station dedicated to broadcasting flyball scores. Wilson’s latest venture, “Dachshund to Death,” is a festive romp through the pet-centric holiday season in Barkview. Fans can also look forward to her upcoming release, “Labradored to Death,” which promises an intriguing twist with bat dogs in minor league baseball, slated for publication on opening day 2024. The Cozy Pet Mysteries series, Wilson’s brainchild, features an array of dog breeds, from Jack Russell Terriers to
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Corgis and Australian Shepherds. The books’ central character, “Cat” Wright, stands out as the lone cat aficionado in a town obsessed with dogs. Wright, alongside her eccentric family, tackles complex murders shaking up the local community. Wilson’s journey into this niche genre began with a familial anecdote. Her mother adopted a Jack Russell Terrier, and that experience highlighted the significance of finding the perfect dog for each person. Her passion for writing was ignited by a childhood interaction with a Nancy Drew book, which led her to pen an alternative ending. This early creative spark blossomed into a career marked by literary acclaim and a deep appreciation for storytelling. Beyond her novels, Wilson engages her readers with personal dog food recipes and a monthly newsletter. Her Bow Wow Boutique furthers her canine advocacy, offering a unique dog product each month, with proceeds aiding dog rescue organizations across the nation.
Wilson’s books, celebrated for their unique blend of humor and suspense, are available on Amazon, BookBub, and her website, cbwilsonauthor.com, connecting a growing community of mystery and dog lovers alike. myhyperlocalnews.com
