Public input sought on 2 planning efforts

       The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) is seeking public input on two planning projects - the development of regional sustainability goals and the drafting of the 2010 Regional Water Quality Management Plan (also called the “208 Plan”).
       Sustainability goals:
       According to Richard Muzzy of the PPACG, the goals-setting leads off an effort to develop a coordinated “regional process” as a model for regional entities that have been or will be working toward sustainability (which can be defined as careful use of energy and resources to ensure there will be enough for future generations).
       He explained that people interested in the subject met earlier this month and set up a plan to have a “focus group” for each major sustainability aspect. Meetings for each focus group have been scheduled on the following dates (all from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the PPACG office, 15 S. Seventh St, in the lower-level conference room, by the parking lot):
  • Friday, Aug. 27 - materials management.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 31 - health.
  • Monday, Sept. 13 - built and natural environment.
  • Monday, Sept. 20 - economic development.
  • Monday, Sept. 27 - transportation.
           Citizens may attend one or more of these meetings.
           For more information, call Muzzy at 471-7080 x109.
           Water quality:
           The PPACG has released the draft 208 Plan for public comment.
           There will also be a public meeting (one of three in the region) Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the PPACG office.
           As the designated water quality planning agency for El Paso, Teller, and Park counties, PPACG is required to prepare and update the plan under Section 208 of the Federal Clean Water Act, and public input is part of that requirement.
           Citizens can read the 208 Plan by going to ppacg.org/downloads/Environment/Water-Quality. For a hard copy, call Rich Muzzy at 471-7080 x109.
           The plan includes recommendations regarding water quality in the different area watersheds (including Fountain Creek through the Westside). The last plan update was in 2003, with an amendment in 2007.
           The public is asked to submit comments before Sept. 28.

    Westside Pioneer/press releases