Should We Get Behind A Growth Moratorium?

"It is all about money -- greed -- versus common sense."

City Councilman Rodger Koopman proposes growth moratorium - the community is behind him but not the rest of the council.

My former NCWF co-worker, Dean Naujoks, now a Neuse RiverKeeper, says "I think it may become necessary. We've kind of forced ourselves into a position where we've really limited our options. Had we gone to conservation sooner, we may have more options on the table."

Koopman's idea got a cool reception
from City Manager Russell Allen. Allen said a moratorium wouldn't help in time for this drought, for two reasons: Building permits that have already been issued can't be rescinded, and construction that hasn't started probably would outlast the drought. Also, the city manager said, Raleigh's policy needs to take into account that a moratorium would hurt the city's economy.

"What's the economic impact of running out of water?" Koopman retorted.

Despite the drought, Raleigh keeps growing. The city's population grew last year by an estimated 4.2 percent, or almost 15,000 people.

Raleigh issued 8,675 building permits last year, according to city records. Almost 5,000 were issued after the drought's local declaration in May.

Water and Drought Fact Finder
Track The Drought
Water Savers


.