Whitworth Water District May Face Slower Growth

Faced with a slower Spokane economy and the constraints of growth management, Whitworth Water District officials have discussed scaling back plans for capital improvements and higher connection fees.

An analysis by the suburban North Side water district indicates that accelerated growth seen during the past three years was just that - accelerated.

The region is now returning to a normal level of growth, and Whitworth will have more time to accommodate new development, according to Emcon Northwest, the consultants hired by the water district.

In meeting with developers and looking at economic data, the district learned it may not need all the planned infrastructure and could stretch out improvements, if it desired.

The water district board has not yet made a final decision, but members last week said they were leaning in that direction rather than increasing the connection charge to singlefamily homes.

Initially, water managers estimated new connection charges might have to be increased from $1,500 to $2,500 to pay for new lines, wells and pump stations.

But a committee meeting with developers found out that many builders, worried about saturation, have no intention of platting any additional raw land in the near future. Others pointed to the state growth laws as having an effect on suburban areas such as Whitworth.

“They all said your growth projections are high,” said Kristen Armstrong, an engineer with Emcon Northwest.

Even if new subdivisions come to a halt tomorrow - an unlikely scenario - there are 700 approved lots waiting for builders, enough to serve expected needs for four years. That alone is likely to deter new subdivisions.

The result is that the district may very well lower the cost of its 10-year improvement plan to $6.4 million, down from $10 million.

The projects include line improvements and a booster station at Colbert Road, extensions along Little Spokane River Drive, Woolard Road and Camelot as well as reservoir upgrades and well improvements.

The district had planned to increase its connection charge to pay for new growth. Now, it expects to handle the costs with existing fees, plus marginal increases for multifamily units, which now pay the same as single-family homes to tap Whitworth’s water.

But not increasing fees may be dependent on receiving a $1.3 million state grant from the Public Works Trust Fund. Officials will know in August if they have a chance at the grant money, which would be allocated in 1996.

Whitworth board members say scaling back projects also carries a risk. “If it goes the other way, they’ll be in here clamoring for more water and more service, and we won’t have it,” said Commissioner Herb Raling.

The board is expected to make a decision on connection fees later this year.

, DataTimes