 |
 |
 This year has been an exceptionally busy one for Cascade. In May, the long awaited purchase agreement for Lake Tapps was finalized with Puget Sound Energy. In the months since then, we have been working with the surrounding cities and communities on ways to fulfill our commitment to being a good neighbor and our promise to manage Lake Tapps for people, fish and fun.
In July, the Muckleshoot Tribe of Nations and the Puyallup Indian Tribe signed an historic agreement with Cascade that enhances fish habitat and protects the lake for water supply and recreation --an agreement that was four years in the making.
We have made exciting progress with our water partners in Seattle and Tacoma that will allow us to have sufficient water in the short term, giving us the opportunity for a an extensive, more inclusive long-term planning process in which all respective communities involved will be vital players.
Planning today for tomorrow's water supply has truly been a regional partnership this year, and, as a result, Cascade is well on its way to meeting the future water needs of our 370,000 residents and 22,000 businesses. Your involvement in making this happen is just as vital. We are providing this newsletter to you to keep you updated and informed of our activities and to let you know we want to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Warren
Chair, Cascade Board of Directors
Commissioner, Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer District
|
 |
 A recent review of Cascade members' growth and water demand has resulted in lower projected needs. This means not as much will be needed before Lake Tapps comes on line as the region's first new water supply in the mid 2020s.
For the short term, the City of Seattle has agreed to sell additional water resources to Cascade. Initial discussions with the city have been very positive and at its August meeting the Board reviewed a letter from Seattle regarding an agreement. Official actions by Seattle and Cascade are expected within the next two months.
Further, the Cascade pipeline construction, originally scheduled for completion by 2010, can now be conducted over a longer time frame. This extended timeline allows Cascade to begin a new, long-term inclusive regional planning process to determine next steps in its water supply planning and delivery from Lake Tapps.
|
|
|
