Time was that the community came together to develop our community flood coalition flood project.  That project protected the river and the businesses and residences.  The idea was clear. Re-create a “living river” within the reality of our community with businesses, homes,  and recreation needs.  Protect the river by creating a new flood plain for the river from Rock boulevard to Lockwood.  Keep levees away from the river.  Keep levees away from residences.  Elevate critical buildings.  Restore the river and give the community parks and recreation areas for generations.

John Champion Park in DownTown Reno

That was then and now — well, we have no parks or recreation, no restoration within the Truckee Meadows, a contentious road that occupies open space agricultural land, more levees and flood walls — no living river.

Can that be changed?  Will the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers honor their earlier commitments?  Will the Flood Project Board put back the park and restoration elements that the community supports and pays for with an quarter percent sales tax increase?  We think a new discussion is needed among all residents and our leaders to make sure that whatever flood project is built it reflects the values and needs of the community.