Burbank plans infrastructure upgrades for anticipated housing development

The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) meeting held on March 26, 2025, focused on critical planning efforts for future development in the Burbank area. The discussions centered around the need for adequate public facilities and services, including transportation, schools, fire protection, water, and sewer systems, to support anticipated growth.

The meeting highlighted the importance of aligning development actions with the capacity of existing infrastructure. Officials emphasized the necessity of adapting zoning regulations to accommodate diverse housing types, which could cater to varying income levels and job opportunities in the region. This approach aims to ensure that housing costs remain manageable for residents.

A significant point of discussion was the current lack of sewer and water infrastructure in Burbank. It was noted that while there are multiple water purveyors in the area, the port is the only provider of municipal wastewater services. The capacity for wastewater treatment is limited due to an agreement with the City of Pasco, which necessitates careful planning to avoid future service shortfalls.

The commissioners discussed specific housing developments, including the Huntsman and Farmstead projects, which have been allocated a daily capacity of 150,000 gallons of water. However, these developments rely on their own Class C water systems, complicating the planning process for water utility needs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather data on existing conditions and infrastructure capacity. This information will be crucial for identifying gaps and planning necessary improvements to support future development. The commissioners stressed the importance of thorough planning to avoid potential service deficiencies as growth progresses in the Burbank area.