Cochise County supervisors review near-final draft of comprehensive plan, raise water, energy and economic concerns

Cochise County officials on Tuesday reviewed a near-final draft of the county's comprehensive plan, a 20-year roadmap that county planning staff say is intended to guide growth, protect rural character and direct investments in infrastructure and services.

Planning staffer Christine said the draft draws on more than a year of work and public outreach. "This plan is a roadmap for how the County will grow and develop over the next 20 years," she told the board, adding that staff had "engaged with over 400 residents directly" and held nine public meetings during the draft process.

Supervisors and planning commissioners used the work session to probe and recommend changes across multiple chapters. Major discussion topics included Cochise County's heavy reliance on groundwater, competing views about large-scale renewable energy projects versus traditional or emerging alternatives, and economic opportunities tied to a planned commercial port of entry, rail reuse and airport capacity.

Why it matters

The plan sets countywide priorities on water, energy, housing, transportation and economic development. Supervisors said changes made here could affect permitting and investment decisions and shape where infrastructure is built, which in turn influences insurance availability, business recruitment and long-term fiscal health.

What the draft says (staff summary)

Christine presented required and optional plan elements. Key points she highlighted: - Land use: concentrate growth where infrastructure exists; protect rural and scenic character; support heritage tourism and compatible development near military lands. - Transportation: preserve freight rail corridors, support the US Bike Route 90 and a connected pedestrian/bike network, and maintain county airports for general aviation and emergency use. - Water: the county is "almost entirely groundwater dependent," with "well over 95%" of water coming from aquifers such as the Upper San Pedro Valley and the Wilcox Basin. The draft proposes a five-point strategy including…