I am opposed to the Bend Municipal Airport Urban Renewal Plan, especially with the downturn in the economy. Now is not the time to pursue a $10 million plan at the expense of the taxpayers.
This is a desert and developers will not be content or rich enough, until they suck every last drop of water out of OUR aquifer. Years ago, before this insane growth and expansion, there had already been a water shortage problem. A drought and low snowpack caused the irrigation water to be shut off in July. Farmers lost crop. Expect far worse, if the same conditions occur again with prolonged drought and low snowpack.
Once upon a time the largest aquifer in the world, the Ogalala aquifer area abounded with artesian wells all along the frontage. Development exceeded the recharging of the aquifer. In the near future it is expected to go dry! Oregon has a provision in its constitution that allows a moratorium on development and building, if the resources cannot support the growth. Has this desert area already passed the point of no return??
Everyone should read a new book by Pulitzer Prize Winner David Cay Johnston. “Free Lunch – How the wealthiest Americans enrich themselves at government expense (and stick you with the bill).” An accurate treatise about socialism for the rich-wealthy flowing from the many to the few at the top of the dung heap!
Alice Keiser Greth
This article appears in Aug 14-20, 2008.
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Well, Mrs. Greth, this might not have anything to do with the fact that the airport is a stones throw from your house, does it? Perhaps that old NIMBY bug might be what’s really behind your beef. Hmmm?