May 10, 2021 09:39 am
Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources and Environment (TuCARE) was established in 1988 to enlighten and advise the public about the wise use of our natural resources. TuCARE and TUD certainly agree that water is one of our most precious and vital resources, and is critical to a healthy environment, prosperous local economy, and quality community. Unfortunately, recent actions and public statements by board members Balen, Murphy, and Ringen have led TuCARE to conclude that TUD’s mission is being set aside in favor of these directors’ political and personal agendas.
Specifically, at the February TUD board meeting, TUD staff gave a presentation regarding the County’s water supply and snowpack. That presentation demonstrated that, although the 2020-21 water year is indeed well below average, the County nonetheless has ample water in the form of storage and anticipated runoff to meet existing demand into the 2021-22 water year. However, Directors Balen, Murphy, and Ringen essentially voted to not confirm this year’s water supply, thus sending a strong message that they are seriously considering suspending any new water hookups. Such a drastic action would have seriously damaged our local economy and contributed to an already critical housing shortage.