|
|
|
Richland council lends support to Reach decision
Richland hopes to cash in on a Hanford Reach national monument, even if the city council stopped short of a wholehearted endorsement. Six council members said Tuesday that they "understand" Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt's recommendation to declare the 200,000 acres of undeveloped federal lands a protected national monument. Richland also wants a visitors center to be built in the city if the Reach is named a monument, said the letter council members are sending Babbitt. The council believes the center would help boost tourism, which is one of the city's main economic development goals. "There are a lot of advantages if it is named a monument if we get an opportunity to sit at the table," said Councilwoman Rita Mazur. Mazur approached city staff last week about sending a letter of support to Babbitt after he announced his recommendation. Councilman Jerry Greenfield was absent from Tuesday's council meeting, but the other six members were in favor of sending a toned-down version of the letter. "Since 1943, Richland has been viewed as the gateway city to the Hanford site, and to then-restricted Hanford Reach," the Richland letter says. "The addition of a visitor center in Richland would help inform visitors from throughout the world about unique history, culture and environment of this area." Councilman Larry Haler suggested the city's economic development committee also review the future economic benefits of having the monument designation. Richland's declaration of support came as a jarring disappointment to elected officials representing the counties bordering the Reach. Some described the city's move as a blow to efforts to push for joint local, state, federal and tribal management of the Reach. Those officials have characterized federal control of the Reach as a land grab. "To say I'm disappointed would be modest to how I feel," said Frank Brock, a Franklin County commissioner. "Maybe they don't understand the importance as the rest of us are concerned. I think you have to have a united effort on any front here." "Why don't we just have a dictatorship and have one person determine land use planning in the city of Richland?" asked Max Benitz, Benton County commission chairman. But the city's support for federal protection of the Hanford Reach is nothing new. In 1996, Richland announced its support for federal protection, claiming it would be the best way to protect the Reach and create a strong tourist attraction. City officials in Kennewick and Pasco said there are no current plans for their cities to take a new position on federal protection. About eight months ago, Kennewick announced its support for a wild and scenic river designation. Last fall, Pasco passed a resolution supporting joint management of the Reach. The tone of Richland's letter changed from an earlier draft, in which the city council would have said it "appreciated" Babbitt's recommendation. The latest letter says the city "understands" the recommendation. Benton Commissioner Claude Oliver said city and county officials should look for some common ground and stay focused on protecting the Reach. "At this time, it is becoming increasingly important that the players in the process look at the community's assets and resources," Oliver said. "It's time for folks to be thinking about what can be done for our interests on a unified basis." Some Richland residents at the meeting Tuesday night praised council members for supporting the monument designation and pursuing economic benefits for the city. "You are to be commended for quickly realizing the economic development to Richland and benefiting from it," said Mike Lilga, a Richland resident. | ||