Multi-City Water Resources Assessment
Eight rural cities in 3 counties in Oregon's Willamette River Valley worked together for 3 years to prevent impacts on important water resources as growth occurs. The project provides an example of how multiple jurisdictions can work together on a common issue as well as some water resource planning tools that may be useful for other cities.
Using a regional planning agency (Lane Council of Governments) and working within Oregon's Land Use framework, this project inventoried, assessed, and prioritized wetland and riparian areas in and around each city. Bringing the cities (respective counties) together as a team provided increased resources and benefits in a cost effective and coordinated manner. The region now has a growth dynamic that better protects significant natural resources and reflects thorough stakeholder involvement. The combined funds of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Land Conservation and Development, and local partners supported the work of the project.
A Partnership
Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) formed a broad partnership of jurisdictions, agencies, and other related organizations. LCOG served as the overall project coordinator facilitating communication, meetings, contracts and being responsible for project deliverables. City, county and agency staff also played an active and vital role in the partnership.
Benefits to Partners
- Meet state requirements and gain a vital understanding of important water resources
- Centralized project management, outreach, and mapping functions
- Increased process clarity, insight and positive synergy through collaboration
- Higher levels of local support and transparency
- Better political climate for similar future efforts
- A better foundation for sustained economic and social prosperity through a healthier natural infrastructure
- Coordinated momentum on water resource issues
