Salt River Project

The Salt River Project (SRP) is the umbrella name for two separate entities: the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, an agency of the state of Arizona that serves as an electrical utility for the Phoenix metropolitan area, and the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association, a utility cooperative that serves as the primary water provider for much of central Arizona. It is one of the primary public utility companies in Arizona.

The name, Rio Salado Project, (Spanish for Salt River Project) is used to refer to the improvement projects along the Salt River through the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, is not related to SRP.

Service territory

SRP serves nearly all of the Phoenix metropolitan area. A large chunk of its electric service territory is shared with Arizona Public Service.

Governance

The Association is headed by a 10-member board and a 30-member council, while the District is headed by a 14-member board and a 30-member council. Both are elected by all landowners in the SRP service area through a "debt-proportionate" system. For instance, a person who owns five acres casts five votes.

History

Early settlers in Phoenix and nearby areas were forced to depend upon the flow of the Salt River to sustain agricultural activities. The river was prone to both floods and droughts and proved to be a less than reliable resource for the settlers. Failed plans to build a dam on the river in 1897, combined with a series...
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