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Richland backs Benton County urban growth area swap to add development near Harvest Ridge
Summary
Council supported Resolution 2025-147 to request Benton County remove about 40 acres from a nature area and add roughly 213 acres near Harvest Ridge and Dallas Road, enabling future annexation and city utility connections.
The Richland City Council on Nov. 18 voted to approve Resolution 2025-147, a resolution of support to Benton County for a special urban growth area (UGA) expansion and contraction. The action forwards staff recommendations that would remove approximately 40 acres from a county nature area on Badger Mountain and add roughly 213 acres near Harvest Ridge and the Dallas Road corridor, facilitating future annexation and access to city utilities.
City planner Mr. Rizzitello told council the county opened a special, time-limited process for UGA swaps. He said the package under consideration includes about 190 acres (presentations referenced a 190-acre total and additional corridor acreage) and that the change would allow potential projects — including a proposed Dallas Road recreation/sports complex — to connect to city water and sewer rather than rely on septic. Rizzitello described the timeline as compressed: Benton County required resolutions and an associated capital facilities plan by Dec. 1 to be considered in the county process.
In public comment, Carl Dye, described as the city's economic development partner, expressed support for item 11 and said the project would be "huge for the Tri Cities" and help city infrastructure continuity. Council voted to approve the resolution of support; the measure will be forwarded to Benton County for its review as part of the county’s comprehensive-plan and SEPA processes.
Next steps: The county will review the petition alongside other applications; if approved by Benton County and through required environmental review, the UGA adjustments could take effect next year and enable future annexation and project permitting.
