Poochigian on water
Sound planning necessitates careful consideration of the availability of a reliable water supply for new developments. In fact, there are statutory requirements for findings on large scale projects to assure adequate water supply. Overdrawn groundwater supplies, droughts, reduced sources due to state and federal court decisions, and the failure of government leaders to fulfill their responsibilities regarding expansion of accessible water supply through storage in aquifers, off-stream storage, etc. complicate a serious problem.
Public officials must have the judgment and resolve to find practical solutions to our growth challenges. This entails advancing policies that accommodate a growing population and economic expansion while protecting vital resources and property rights, ensuring that inadequacies of reliable sources of water aren’t a burden we impose on future generations, etc. This approach means having the backbone to say “no” where development is not practical but having the foresight to recognize prosperity depends on sustainable communities that can grow over time.
Common sense and balance are essential. Fresno County Supervisors must join with other local and state public officials in pushing for state and federal policies and
infrastructure planning and funding sufficient to meet the needs of the 21st Century. In the meantime, they must not foolishly approve projects that do not have proven water
sources.