Marge Frandsen: Planning must be in conformance with proven water resources.
In November 2008, ballot measure WC-3 asked specifically whether the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan should be amended to reflect and include policies requiring local government land use plans be in balance with identified, sustainable water resources in Washoe County. The overwhelming majority of the voters (73.11%) said YES. It is apparent that Washoe County residents want sustainable growth and development based upon the known water supply. We continue to encourage Reno, Sparks and county public officials to act expeditiously now to make WC-3 a reality.
When some public officials made statements that it wasn’t necessary to enact WC-3 because it was already being done, proponents did not agree and pursued legislation. AB119 passed both the Assembly and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Jim Gibbons. However, with successful negotiations among Washoe County, Reno, Sparks elected officials and WC-3 backers, it was agreed that the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan (TMRP) will be amended on or before January 31, 2010, as follows:
1. To set forth the total regional population that may be supported by the sustainable water resources identified in the comprehensive plan adopted by the Western Regional Water Commission.
2. To provide that in doing so, it doesn’t affect or limit the powers of the State Water Engineer.
3. To include explicit goals and related policies for regional land use and transportation setting forth a pattern of development consistent with the total population sustainable water resources can support and requiring each local government master plan be consistent with that pattern of development.
In August the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board (TMRPGB) transferred the matter to the Washoe County Commission for the purpose of initiating an amendment to the Regional Plan consistent with the above negotiated agreement. Initiative proponents look forward to the work that will be done to tie the Regional Plan components to the region’s sustainable water supply and to the development of related goals and policies to guide the future growth of our region.
Disconnects now exist between land use planning, population, water and transportation planning efforts. Because water is a finite resource necessary to sustain life, it is critical that land use plans reflect the connection between this resource and total supportable population. Only if this happens can we ensure an economic and viable future for our region and future generations.
The initiative proponents know we can continue to grow well for the next 20-30 years within our existing water resources. Hopefully the goals and policies to be considered for amendment into the Regional Plan will direct that growth to achieve the greatest efficiency while maintaining the quality of life that we, and future generations, will enjoy in this region.
It is imperative that citizens continue to monitor the progress made by our local elected officials to ensure that the voices of 121,555 Washoe County residents will be honored. Let’s get down to business and get it done!
Marge Frandsen is a Realtor, former Chair of the Washoe County and Regional Planning Commissions and 35-year resident of Washoe County
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