The Rest of the Story
By Marge Frandsen

Marge Frandsen is former Chair of the Washoe County Planning Commission.

Sometimes leaving something out can change the whole picture . . .

An elected official has proclaimed in public meetings that the Spanish Springs Valley was over-allocated by 3000 acre feet of water by the State Water Engineer. That is a true and well-known statement. However, what has not been stated is that recognizing this deficiency, an agreement was reached between TMWA and Washoe County to provide sufficient water to provide for both the currently developed area and areas planned for development in Spanish Springs using Truckee River Water.

To allay the fears of the larger community that there may not be sufficient water to sustain planned development, Ms. Williams and Ms. Menard, Directors of Truckee Meadows Water Authority and Washoe County Department of Water Resources respectively, stated recently that TMWA has 2200 acre feet of water rights and Washoe County has 8000 acre feet of unallocated water. Ms. Williams figure is accurate as to the acre feet but it is understood it was paid for a few years back with ratepayer funds to be sold for future growth and development. Ms. Menard did not state that Washoe County controls the 8000 acre feet of water, but by omission led those present to believe that to be so. It is understood that its use is controlled by Vidler, the importation company that brought the water into the valley, for use in Lemmon and Golden Valleys according to the environmental impact statement.

OPINION

WATER vs. LAND USE: The voice of the people in the Truckee Meadows is being weakened. As has been reported, a group of concerned citizens approached the Board of County Commissioners and ask that they put advisory questions on the November ballot addressing two issues - land use in balance with sustainable water within Washoe County and leapfrog annexation. In their infinite wisdom three of the five commissioners chose to ignore the citizens' lawful request and the chair told them to go home and watch Oprah. As a result and given no other option, the citizens have engaged in a petition drive in an effort to have the two questions placed on the ballot. The elected officials have begun a campaign not only to discredit the citizens but also to change the words and meaning in the Regional Plan to disavow what previously they had endorsed by saying that any language suggesting plans or growth in the region beyond 20 years is hypothetical or conceptual. In the face of a massive media campaign by the Regional Planning Governing Board, at taxpayers' expense, the citizens will continue to pursue the signatures of concerned citizens of Washoe County on the petitions. This is not an effort to stop growth but rather an effort to encourage smart growth.

We all know that WATER IS A FINITE RESOURCE. Is it wrong to consider it imperative that a balance be struck between land use and sustainable water within our county so we will not deplete this resource? Are we prepared to pay the cost of importation from other counties and states and commit that expense to future generations? Should we not have a say in the future of our region so that our kids and grandkids will have the same wonderful environment we now enjoy? Those are questions you must ask yourself. If approached by a signature gatherer, you are encouraged to read the language on the petition, question the person seeking your signature and make an informed decision.

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