Opposed to the SWIP? Join your neighbors at a Public Hearing held by the Bend Planning Commission today at 5:30pm.
WHAT: Citizens speak out against Tumalo Creek Water Project at Public Hearing held by the Bend Planning Commission.
WHEN: Monday, November 14th 5:30pm
WHERE: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
From Paul Dewey, Exec. Director at Central Oregon LandWatch:
"What we are trying to get the Planning Commission to do is drop the Surface Water Project from the Water Public Facilities Plan. In the alternative, we want them to delay a decision on the Water PFP until at least January (to give more time for the City Council to pull back on the project). If the Planning Commission and Council move ahead with the Water PFP, then LandWatch will appeal it to LUBA, beginning the legal fight."
In case you haven't been following this, the so-called Surface Water Improvement Project is a $68 million undertaking already approved by the Bend City Council that is meant to update and improve Bend's surface water (drinking water).
That's 1,000 signatures opposing the project.
The opposition alleges the project based on faulty data. The SWIP also stands to put millions in the pockets of the consultants hired to inform the city of it's need for such a project — a "need" that is also being challenged by bendwater.info and others. Residents can also expect a 40% hike it water rates if the project goes through, the opposition says.
Expected notable speakers include Mark Yinger, RG, Hydrogeologist, and Doug Werme, Consulting Geologist.
Unrelated to SWIP, but relevant: At the hearing, State Parks & Recreation Department will receive public input on the application to grant the Oregon Scenic Bikeway status to the Twin Bridges Loop.
