WIFA Statement on the Nomination of Ted Cooke for Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHOENIX, June 18, 2025 - The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) congratulates Board Director Ted Cooke on his nomination to serve as Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Director Cooke’s decades of leadership and deep understanding of the West’s water challenges make him exceptionally qualified for this role.

Director Cooke brings a distinguished career in water management, having served most recently as General Manager of the Central Arizona Project and currently as Chair of WIFA’s Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund (LTWAF) Committee. His strategic vision and collaborative leadership have helped shape major initiatives focused on securing Arizona’s water future.

Director Cooke will continue to serve on the WIFA Board of Directors until his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. His contributions to WIFA’s mission of developing long-term, reliable water supplies have been invaluable, and we are confident he will bring the same commitment to national water resource management.

“Ted’s leadership has always reflected a long-term vision for the Colorado River, grounded in data, collaboration, and practical action,” said WIFA Board Chairman Johnathan Lines. “He is the right person to guide the Bureau at a pivotal moment in the river’s history.”

We commend the Administration for this thoughtful nomination at such a critical time for water in the West.

About WIFA 

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Arizona's present and future water supply through financial investments in effective augmentation, conservation, reuse, and water quality. WIFA is Arizona's administrator of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), providing low-interest loans and technical assistance to water and clean water infrastructure projects, as well as three new funds aimed at conserving water and identifying new supplies. Over the last 30 years, WIFA has proudly invested almost $3 billion in communities throughout Arizona driving sustainable solutions and helping to secure Arizona’s water future.

###