Water agency officials in Florida are considering a plan to pump 262 million gallons of water per day from local rivers to satisfy a high population growth rate. But many are calling the plan short-sighted and a futile attempt to control nature.
"Utility managers are considering taking up to 262 million gallons daily from the St. Johns and a tributary, the Ocklawaha River, to support a groundwater network not expected to handle population growth beyond 2013."
"The idea has led to much debate over environmental and development issues from Orlando, where the water is most needed, to Jacksonville, where the water's loss could be most noticeable."
"The water management district is projecting a 4.9 percent reduction in flow, which officials say should not have significant impacts on salt levels and sea life. Printed agency research shows the drawdown likely would increase the river's habitat for pink shrimp while shrinking the amount of space for blue crabs."
"While financial issues have become part of the debate, opponents claim the water management district is meddling with Mother Nature and could be sacrificing one of Jacksonville's most precious resources. Agency officials say some of the concerns have been alarmist."
FULL STORY: Thirsty Central Florida has plans for St. Johns
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How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
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Montreal’s Gorilla Park Repurposes Defunct Railway Track
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Safe Parking Programs Help People Access Housing
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Study: Single-Staircase Buildings Pose No Additional Risks
Zoning codes have long prohibited single-stair residential buildings due to safety concerns, but changing that could lower the cost of construction and allow for more flexible housing designs.
Forest Service Rescinds Tree Planting Grants
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research