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Commissioners hear proposal for Inland Rogue place‑based water plan; chair cites regulatory concerns
Summary
Jackson County officials heard a presentation on an Inland Rogue Place‑Based Water Planning grant application to the Oregon Water Resources Department to develop integrated, long‑term water solutions; Chair Rick Dyer said potential state recognition raises regulatory risks and that he could not support the effort at this time.
Jackson County commissioners on June 16 received a presentation from the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District and the Rogue River Watershed Council about a planned application to the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) for Place‑Based Water Planning (PBWP) funding to develop an integrated plan for long‑term water needs in the Inland Rogue.
Jill Anne Smedstad, executive director of the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District, said the Inland Rogue Water Resiliency Group (IRWRG), co‑convened by her district and the Rogue River Watershed Council, is preparing an application for the PBWP grant and has conducted public outreach and comment opportunities. She told the board that, if awarded, grant funding would support plan development and help identify integrated solutions to meet long‑term water demands.
The presentation noted that PBWP provides resources to communities and that plan recognition by the State could affect how a local plan is used. County Administrator Danny Jordan and other commissioners asked whether state recognition would bring the plan under Oregon Revised Statutes or Oregon Administrative Rules; Smedstad said she was explaining what PBWP is and the resources available during plan development, and that participation by organizations is not a requirement of the PBWP process.
Sue Parrish, community engagement coordinator for OWRD's Southwest Region, described how OWRD supports communities through the PBWP grant program and said there has not historically been a motive to enforce restrictive policies. Chair Rick Dyer said he was concerned that state recognition of a plan could lead to regulatory control and "high‑risk" unknown outcomes, and added he could not provide support at this time. Jordan asked whether an applicant could appeal if the State did not accept a plan; Parrish said she did not know whether a specific appeal process exists. Rogue River Watershed Council Executive Director Brian Barr said he had not previously considered the potential for regulatory consequences.
Smedstad said she appreciated the board's comments and that she would keep commissioners updated as the group proceeds with the application process. No formal action or vote was taken during the work session.
