PHOENIX, ARIZONA – President Donald Trump today signed legislation formalizing the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) — a crucial step toward full implementation of the agreement to conserve more water in the Colorado River system. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to adhere to the agreements previously adopted by the seven basin states, including Arizona.

“The Drought Contingency Plan is a monumental, bipartisan achievement,” said Governor Ducey. “Drought is by far one of the most pressing issues Arizona faces and now we’re one step closer to protecting our water supplies and securing Arizona’s water future. We’ve been able to move this plan forward by putting party labels aside and putting Arizona first. I’m grateful to Arizona’s congressional delegation for promptly introducing and passing legislation to implement the DCP.”

On January 31, 2019, Governor Ducey signed legislation authorizing Arizona’s participation in the Drought Contingency Plan, the most signficant water legislation in the state in 40 years. The plan, which allows Arizona to join six other western states and Mexico in signing onto an inter-state water agreement to conserve water in the Colorado River system, is the result of years of planning among stakeholders throughout the country.

In addition to signing the Drought Contingency Plan, Governor Ducey also issued an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Water Augmentation, Innovation and Conservation Council to focus on long-term water conservation and innovation. One meeting has already occurred, and members of the Council are discussing the issues that will be worked on in the coming months and years.

For more information on the Drought Contingency Plan, click HERE.

For DCP “By The Numbers,” click HERE.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – ORION Investment Real Estate comes full circle with a newly developed retail center in North Scottsdale. Selling off market for $6.15 million ($430.67 per-square-foot), the grocery-anchored development traded at a low 6% cap rate with a rent guarantee on the last vacant space. The 5-tenant building is located in a Bashas’ supermarket anchored center, serving the affluent areas of McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Windgate, Silverleaf, and Ironwood Village Communities.

Jennifer Eggert and Michael Achtman, ORION’s leasing specialists, worked on getting the newly constructed development pre-leased. Current tenants include The Whining Pig, Banfield Pet Hospital, 9Round Fitness and Rehab Plus, with one suite still available. Eggert and Achtman assisted President and Principal of ORION, Ari Spiro and Sean Stutzman, with the sale. Eggert said, “The vision of our developer to not make this building look like a typical shopping center, really helped with our leasing efforts; it made the project unique and attracted quality tenants.”

“I have worked with the developer for nearly 20 years; they took great care with the building design and with our leasing specialists to cultivate a tenant base that has a strong mix of credit and e-commerce resistant tenants that will be impactful to the surrounding community and complement the neighboring tenants,” noted ORION’s President, Ari Spiro.

The Seller was a partnership of Jeff Kitchen and Tiny Cap, LLC – a wholly-owned investment firm of Jim Mullin. The project was developed by Mullin360, the same developer who is completing the 84-acre Scottsdale AutoShow at Salt River located between Pima Road and Loop 101 Freeway, just south of Indian School Road in Scottsdale. Construction management was provided by Mullin360Build.

Eric Termansen and McKenna Boyle Wesley of Western Retail Advisors represented the Buyer.

Tiny Cap is pursuing opportunities with its Opportunity Zone funds. Please contact Jim Mullin for more information at 480-443-9300.  Mullin360 continues to look for retail and office development opportunities. Please contact Alexandra Schuchter for more information at 480-443-9300.

PIMA COUNTY – Pima Animal Care Center will relieve overcrowding at its shelter by taking about a dozen dogs to the Best Friends® Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. The pets hit the road Wednesday at 6:30 in the morning. The sanctuary is home to nearly 1,600 homeless animals. PACC’s official nonprofit partner, Friends of PACC, is paying for the trip. The group is covering the cost of renting the van, gas, and hotel stay. This idea of transporting animals there came from a staffer’s recent training with Maddie’s Fund®. Liz Cardarelli, PACC’s Rescue Coordinator, recently attended the Hands Up Hub and Spoke Transport Model Apprenticeship at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, to work on creating a network of partners and a transport program for PACC. Best Friends® is taking 10-12 dogs. PACC officials hope to create a transport program and schedule future trips as the shelter starts to get crowded. The warmer months tend to be the busiest at PACC so the staff is preparing for the increase.

Anyone who would like to help the shelter clear space for incoming pets can do so by adopting or fostering. Those interested in fostering can sign up online or visit the shelter in person. Through April 30, PACC is waiving adoption fees for all “Volunteer Favorites.” Look for signs on the kennel that say “I’m a PACC Volunteer Pick!” PACC is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road, open Monday through Friday, noon-7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. All pets adopted will come spayed or neutered, with age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and a free vet visit. A $19 licensing fee will apply to dogs.