IID Director J.B. Hamby appointed to Colorado River Board of California

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, by way of written communication, has notified Imperial Irrigation District Board Vice President J.B. Hamby of his appointment to the state’s Colorado River Board.

“I am thankful to my colleagues on the IID Board for nominating me to serve as IID’s representative on the Colorado River Board of California,” said Director Hamby. “In this role, I will have the opportunity to represent both IID as the largest user on the river and California as the largest state on the river.”

For the past 75 years the Colorado River Board of California’s mission has been to protect the interests and rights of the State of California, its agencies and citizens, in the water and power resources of the Colorado River system.

“It is essential that the diverse benefits of Imperial Valley’s irrigated agriculture are known and protected and that IID’s water rights, and the doctrine of prior appropriation, are fully defended and preserved as we begin writing the next chapter in the Law of the River,” Hamby added.

His appointment replaces the long-held position on the state board previously held by IID Board President James Hanks.

“President Hanks has faithfully and boldly served as IID’s representative for many years having successfully defended the rights and best interests of the IID and Imperial Valley,” Hamby said. “I am thankful for his support for my assuming this role and will count on his deep experience and knowledge as we begin shaping the next set of interstate guidelines to protect IID’s and California’s stake on the Colorado River.”

The Colorado River Board represents the State of California and its members in discussions and negotiations with the Colorado River Basin States, federal, state and local governmental agencies and Mexico regarding the management of the Colorado River.