A Local Government Role Played Simulation Building a Reservoir

Transcription

1 A Local Government Role Played Simulation Building a Reservoir

2 As an introduction listen to these stories about building a reservoir near Ft. Collins and about water competition with the Western Slope sources. As they listen ask students to identify some of the issues and interest groups in the story. Then tell students they will get to participate in a simulation involving similar issues. Ask students to read the background information about River City. Ask students to read each of the policy choices and role descriptions. Show the map to help clarify positions and options. Ask students to discuss which groups would likely support or oppose each option. Put students into role groups. It is best to either let students choose or to randomly assign role groups. Allowing students to choose based on the order of arrival in the classroom rewards on time behavior. Once In the role groups have them re-read their roles description. As a group complete the Role Mission Statement sheet. Then discuss the pros and cons of each policy option from their role s point of view. Then ask them to rank the options based on their roles characteristics and mission statement. Put the students into Town Meeting groups. Form the groups so that all the role groups are represented. If you have an uneven amount of students having more than 1 per role group is ok. Ask the groups to discuss all options, expressing the pros and cons from their role s perspective. The mayor is responsible for helping the group reach a final choice for River City. Once all the groups have reached a decision ask them to report out to the whole class and use the discussion guide to debrief the activity.

3 Issue/Problem/Question - Details 3-5 Draw 2 things Interest Groups and positions 2 or 3

4 Proposed Site Large Reservoir Choice 3 Proposed Site Small Reservoir Choice 2

5 Population growth in River City and surrounding communities is straining the current water supply. Some method of either restricting water useage and/or increasing supply is necessary. In 2010 River City had a population of 50,000 a growth of 10,000 in just 10 years. Current estimates call for the population to expand to 70,000 by The growth is driven by high tech business moving to the region and the quality of life features like outdoor recreation. Two smaller nearby cities, Creekville and Brookton are experiencing similar issues and expect to grow more quickly from 20,ooo each to 35,000 each. River City has several options for providing water for the both current and new residents. They include water conservation techniques, increasing water supply by building reservoirs and purchasing water from other nearby towns. A town meeting has been called to discuss the options going forward.

6 A. Do nothing. 1. As population and businesses grow, so will water usage. The city will be forced to purchase water from other communities and systems at higher rates. 2. This will result in substantial water fee increases for residents and businesses. 3. Continue voluntary water conservation programs. 4. No growth fees. No change in wilderness. B. Build a small reservoir for River City & impose growth fees. 1. This will provide more water for population growth in River City. 2. The cost of building the reservoir will cause water fees to rise for all city residents and businesses. The fee increases will be slightly less than the do nothing fee increase. 3. Impose property tax to pay for the purchase of private property 4. Impose growth fees on new homes and businesses. 5. 5% reduction in county wilderness acres and private property C. Join the Two-Towns Water District & build a large reservoir. 1. River City will join the Two-Towns Water District. This will accommodate growth for many years for all towns. All three towns will share the cost of building the reservoir. 2. Sharing costs results in water fee increases for River City lower than small reservoir. 3. A property tax increase will be necessary to pay for purchasing the private property. 4. Similar Growth fees for homes and businesses % reduction in county wilderness acres and private property D. Strict water conservation program. 1. Slow the growth of water usage by immediately instituting strict water conservation measures. 2. Keep rates for low usage the same, but charge higher water rates to home and business that use water over a certain number of gallons. 3. Yard watering and business use will be very expensive. 4. Higher growth fees for new developments, homes, and businesses. 5. No change in wilderness.

7 Water Use Fees - Pay for what you use. A regressive tax taking a higher percentage from low income families. But families can control useage amounts. Growth Fees Paid for by new home builders and owners. Likely to curb growth and limit new job possibilities. Property Taxes All homeowners/property owners pay this based on the value of their real estate. A proportional tax. Sales Taxes Most cities rely upon sales taxes to fund some operations like providing water to the citizens. Like use fees, this is a regressive tax.

8 1. River City Mayor - Morgan Moore Elected on a pro-growth, pro-jobs platform. But in the most recent city council election, slow growth candidates won a majority. Mayor Moore is up for reelection next fall. 2. Star County Commissioner Casey Chan The three towns are all in Star County. The county has a long commitment to open space and encouraging outdoor recreation. 3. Dawson Developer Dakota Donner Dawson Development wants to build homes for those wishing to move to the area for jobs and quality of life. 4. Adler School District Board Member Amari Ali The school district which serves the whole county is concerned about having to build more schools to accommodate the new students moving to the area 5. Wilderness Supporter Wilson Williams There are local, as well as state and national groups dedicated to preserving as much wilderness as possible. 6. Water Sports Enthusiasts - Arin Angler and Bailey Boater Currently only river fishing and boating are available nearby. The reservoir would provide additional recreational and commerical opportunities 7. Two-Towns Water District Association Representative Taylor Trujillo Two Towns water district was formed to provide water to Creekville and Brookton. The district is proposing an expansion to include River City to build a much larger reservoir to serve the growth needs of all three towns. 8. Old Town Citizens Oakley Olson & Oli Ortega Old Town residents in all three cities would like to see water rates stay low. Many are opposed to the rapid pace of growth.

9 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Role Policy Choice Mayor 1 Mayor 2 Mayor 3 Mayor 4 Mayor 5 County C 1 County C 2 County C3 County C4 County C5 Dawson 1 Dawson 2 Dawson 3 Dawson 4 Dawson 5 Adler 1 Adler 2 Adler 3 Adler 4 Adler 5 Wilderness1 Wilderness2 Wilderness3 Wilderness4 Wilderness5 Water Sports 1 Water Sports 2 Water Sports 3 Water Sports 4 Water Sports 5 Old Citizen 1 Old Citizen 2 Old Citizen 3 Old Citizen 4 OldCitizen 5 Two Towns 1 Two Towns 2 Two Towns 3 Two Towns 4 Two Towns 5 Group Policy Choice Class Policy Choice

10 The mayor of River City was elected on a pro-growth, pro jobs platform. Mayor Moore believes what is best for River City is a business environment that encourages more jobs for the city. The mayor also believes that people move to River City for more than just good jobs. The quality of life and outdoor recreation opportunities attract many people to the area. Rapid growth has made many residents nervous about how the city will provide basic services like water. In the most recent election, slow growth candidates won seats on city council. They are pressuring the mayor to slow growth and to have new developments pay their own way with growth fees. The mayor wishes to be re-elected, resists higher taxes and believes the best solutions are those that take into account many viewpoints.

11 River City, Creekville, and Brookton are all in Star County. The two proposed reservoirs are also in Star County. Many county residents will have their property seized to make way for the reservoir. Those property owners have asked the commissioners to protect their property rights and stop the reservoir from being built. County residents have consistently voted in favor of taxes to purchase open space to protect wilderness areas. Commissioner Chan supports protecting wilderness areas. Chan also recognizes that other recreation opportunities like fishing and boating are important to jobs in the county. And that tax money to fund the purchase of wilderness areas is a result of good jobs.

12 This company creates new neighborhoods and homes for people moving to area and for those wanting a new house. They are in favor of low water prices and oppose any growth fees. These homes are often bought by people moving to the areas for jobs and the quality of life. Mandatory water conservation requirements make their homes far more expensive so they oppose those. They point out that building new homes creates local jobs and helps the overall economy.

13 The school district has some concerns about which option is selected. Any option that includes a growth fee is favored as long as it includes a fee used to build more schools. Significant increases in water rates are a concern because that will drain resources from teaching and learning. Any property tax increase is a concern because the school district too would like to increase taxes for more services and better teachers. The district thinks the public may not vote for several tax increases.

14 Wilderness supporters are in favor of maintaining or expanding the amount of land left in a natural state. They are opposed to any man made alternation of the lands like the proposed reservoirs. Some are in favor of destroying current dams and reservoirs so that land can be returned to its natural state. They support the county buying more and more open space to preserve. They favor tax increases for this purpose. Only water conservation methods should be considered.

15 Arin and Bailey enjoy all kinds of water sports and would like to have additional places to fish, kayak, swin, sail, camp, hike and just have fun. They have lived in River City for many years and would support an increase in water fees or taxes if a new reservoir was to be built. They also worry about their three children. They hope that their kids can afford to buy a house and live close by. They have worked hard at making their home more water efficient saving money on their water bill.

16 Two Towns Water District is a special district created to provide for the water needs of Creekville and Brookton. The future growth of the two towns will require additional water resources or much higher water fees or significant water usage restrictions. Two Towns is proposing adding River City to the District and building a large reservoir to meet the needs of all three towns into the future. This will require both an small increase property taxes for all residents and a small increase in water fees. By spreading the cost among the three towns,the increases in taxes and fees will remain small. Plus, since all three towns are owners of the reservoir residents can enjoy recreation at the new reservoir. The city councils of both Creekville and Brookton support the large reservoir proposal.

17 Oakley and Olivia have lived in River City all of their lives. The sudden growth, while clearly providing jobs, concerns them. They think River City is loosing some of its small town feel and friendliness. They are opposed to higher water fees and higher taxes. They believe that growth should be self supporting. Growth fees for water and schools make sense to them. They are happy to use water conservation techniques to cut usage and think others should do so as well. If Creekville and Brookton want to grow that is fine, but River City should not help pay for that.

18 My Role My priorities, interests, and values. What is important to your group? How do those beliefs and values influence your choices for the reservoir? Write a mission statement for your role. Rank the top 2 options for my role. Describe why these are best for your role. Which taxes are best for you? Why? What is your best choice?

19 My role Our mission statement: Which policy choice does your role support? Why is this a good choice for your role? What other roles might support this choice? How are their reasons similar and/or different from yours? What other roles might oppose this choice? Why?

20 The mayor will lead the group discussion. As each role explains their role s jot down the role, choice and reasons. Now open the discussion to anyone. Focus on trying to reach a consensus agreement. Jot down your roles reaction. What is the final choice of the group? Why? Who will support this choice? Who will oppose it? Who will be neutral?

21 What option did your group pick? Was it the same as your role s pick? Was your personal choice different than your assigned role? Was this an easy decision for your town meeting group to make? Why or why not? This simulation has several special interest groups. What role did they play in bringing about a decision? Water resources and taxes play an important role in our society. How did they influence this simulation? Why do you think people seem generally opposed to taxes? What do you think influences people to vote in favor of increased taxes?

22 Simulations by their nature simplify complex problems. Often students will want to know about similar real problems. Individual and/or group research is a great follow up. Contact a Local Leader City or Special District water departments are a great source of information. Often a phone call or is all it takes to engage local leaders and water professionals. Most will welcome a chance to visit your classroom or to simply respond to student questions by . Online Research Use the list on the next page are several topics for further exploration by your class or individual students. Here is one idea for a simple overnight research assignment Topic or Question What I Learned key details New topics or question to explore Math Options Use facts on the Math Options slide as a starter for writing real world math problems using water statistics.

23 Colorado Foundation for Water Education Interview with Colorado Supreme Courts Justice Hobbs about water issues. Reservoirs Water Storage Pros and Cons Draining Reservoirs Lake Powell Grey Water and Rainwater harvesting Colorado Water Rights Wilderness Act Impact Fees and Job Growth California water conservation mandates Voluntary Water conservation mandates Colorado attempt to build reservoir Post Floods River Management in Colorado Competition to build reservoirs near Colorado Springs Water information resources from the Colorado Municipal League Colorado Water Facts Water Conservation 100 s of booklets from around the world

24 Expand learning by doing the math. Below are a number of key details concerning water storage and usage. Ask students to use the details to construct math problems using math concepts they are currently studying or as a review of previous math lessons. A dripping faucet uses 60 drops/minute = 192 gallons/month 90 drops/minute =? 120 drops/minute =? Each person uses gallons per day. A four person household about 300 due to shared usage. Specifics 19 gallons a day toilet 15 gallons a day Bath and hygiene 8 gallons a day Laundry 7 gallons a day- kitchen 1 gallon a day Housekeeping Installing low flow fixtures can reduce indoor usage by 30%. How much would that be for each use above? Water supply planners estimate that a typical household needs acre feet of water per year (approximately 150,000 gal) to satisfy the demands of a home and landscape. How big of a reservoir for a town of 100,000? For additional details about water usage to write math problems. CSU Extension water conservation/usage details

25 Reservoir Information for Guanella and Golden specifically for examples The cost of Guanella reservoir was about $11.5 million dollars (or about $5,000 per acre foot for 2300 Acre feet). This works out to be about $575,000 per year for 20 years. Annual maintenance cost Guanella reservoir is about $50,000. Professional services (Lawyers & engineers for water rights) is $150,000 per year. ( we pay these costs regardless of the reservoir and in fact if we didn t have the reservoir this cost may go up) Total annual cost is about $775,000 or about $129 per tap for 6000 taps. Golden uses about 4000 acre feet per year total and about 500 acre feet from storage (Guanella) on a normal year. In a drought we could use up to 1500 acre feet. Selling space in Guanella reservoir and various water rights generates about $500,000 per year in revenue. The avoided costs of using water from storage instead of buying it from others is about $300,000 (Golf course uses up to 300 acre about $1000 per acre foot) The total revenue plus avoided cost is about $80,000 per year or about $133 per tap per year. A big factor in deciding whether to build a reservoir is the timing of our water supply. We have a huge amount of supply available during the run-off season (May and June) but our biggest demand is later in the year (July, August, September). Our reservoir allows us to store the water to accommodate our demand.

26 CSU water conservation and usage How much water do we use KUNC story Connecting the drips Colorado Springs Reservoir Wars oid= Grey water

27 Doing the science Doing the technology Doing the engineering Doing the math Doing the governing