SRP’s Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative Supported by $275,000 Grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) has been awarded a $275,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation in support of Salt River Project’s Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative (CIRI). The investment supports ongoing work to modernize and upgrade the private flood irrigation system in a South Phoenix neighborhood – an underserved community facing significant economic barriers and designated as a high‑poverty census tract.

The Estrella-Rancho and Monte Vista Gardens neighborhoods face longstanding infrastructure challenges because the private flood irrigation systems, built between the 1920s and 1970s, have far exceeded their intended lifespan. System failures lead to inefficient water use, neighborhood flooding, safety concerns, and loss of community green space. CIRI helps address these challenges by providing upfront infrastructure improvements and long‑term irrigation support, advancing water efficiency for up to 238 homes and enabling the community to save an estimated 76 million gallons of water over five years.

“We are grateful for the James M. Cox Foundation’s support of this project as it delivers meaningful environmental and community benefits to Phoenix neighborhoods,” said Susan Anable, Phoenix Market Vice President, Cox Communications. “Cox has a longstanding local partnership with SRP, one built on a history of shared commitments – from advancing sustainable energy to supporting critical water conservation efforts. Revitalizing these irrigation systems reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and conservation by helping reduce water waste, protect from flooding, and maintain vital green spaces in the community.”

CIRI is part of SRP’s commitment to conserve 5 billion gallons of water as part of their 2035 Sustainability Goals. Responsibility for the long-term maintenance of the private flood irrigation system will remain with the neighborhood.

“CIRI is an impactful new initiative rooted in SRP’s commitment to empowering water conservation in our community,” Elvy Barton, SRP Senior Manager of Water and Forest Sustainability said. “We are grateful for the generous grant from the James M. Cox Foundation that significantly increases the scope and scale of this vital work, demonstrating the power of partnerships to solve complex community challenges. Together, we can create meaningful water savings, improve access to affordable irrigation, and contribute to a stronger foundation for long‑term neighborhood resilience.”

The James M. Cox Foundation grant supports Phases 2, 3 and 4 of the project, covering 44% of the estimated cost to repair and modernize the aging private flood irrigation system.