Drought not slowing California development
By Adam Nagourney, New York Times
FOLSOM — Evert W. Palmer has a vision for this city famous for its state prison: 10,200 new homes spread across the rolling hills to the south, bringing in a flood of new jobs, new business and 25,000 more people.
Yes, Palmer, the city manager, is well aware that Folsom Lake, the sole source of water for this Gold Rush outpost near Sacramento, is close to historically low levels, and stands as one of the most disturbing symbols of the four-year drought that has gripped this state. And that Folsom is under orders to reduce its water consumption by 32 percent as part of mandatory statewide urban cutbacks.
But Palmer, like other officials who approved the ambitious plan to expand this city, said he was confident that there was enough water to allow Folsom’s population to grow to nearly 100,000 by 2036. It would be economic folly, he said, to run things any other way.
The drought that has overrun California — forcing severe cutbacks in water for farms, homeowners and businesses — has run up against a welcome economic resurgence that is sweeping across much of the state after a particularly brutal downturn. It is forcing communities to balance a robust demand for new housing with concerns that the drought is not cyclical but rather the start of permanent, more arid conditions caused by global warming.
Typical city/county management – ignore the obvious problem and create a new one!
But without the government, who would manage the growth??
*snort*
Growth like this is ridiculous and without any of the resources to support it, like water. It is typical of this state and another reason for a new state.
Agreed! It’s all about the mighty dollar and nothing else. Then add Moonbutts personal invitation to all illegals to come here, without a single thought of how we will sustain such a senile ambition. These politicians lack the common sense God gave Geese.
Bring on the state of Jefferson!
When will these idiots realize we have completely over built this state and continue to invited more people in than we can sustain. Do they not have the grade school math education? Seems so and how pathetic.
Seems to me the old goat known as Moonbutt should FORGET about his train to nowhere AND the water tunnel to So. Cal and put the billions of dollars toward desalinization.
To steal our farmers lands under the emanate domain guise is to steal food from the country and you think we don’t see what you are doing with OUR money? Impeachment comes to mind. Just like Hillary, you old senile goats need to be put to pasture. You are obviously out of touch with reality and yes, Kits, common sense.
Denial to the extreme. When will they realize we can’t drink money?
J&B, the people who are making the decisions do. Drink money, I mean.
For the most part, the elites have no clue how lack of water and extra expenses for higher costs imposed on us impacts our lives. Not that they’d care anyway.
This guy is an idiot. The state is being destroyed by development .