Title
Discount Irrigation Water Rates for Urban Agriculture
Recommended Action
Move to approve the recommendation to establish a discounted irrigation rate for urban agriculture.
Report
Issue:
Receive a briefing on a proposal to establish a discounted irrigation rate for urban agriculture. Provide a recommendation on whether staff should proceed with the proposal.
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Water Resources Director, (360) 570-3741
Presenter:
Eric Christensen
Background and Analysis:
The Public Works Water Resources Drinking Water utility (utility) is proposing to establish a discounted irrigation rate for "urban agriculture".
The City of Olympia's Comprehensive Plan goals and policies encourage local food production:
* Policy PL25.3 (Land Use and Urban Design)
Collaborate with community partners to ensure that everyone within Olympia is within biking or walking distance of a place to grow food.
* Policy PL25.4 (Land Use and Urban Design).
Encourage for-profit gardening and farming in the community.
* Policy PR9.1 (Public Health and Recreation).
Provide opportunities that promote a mentally and physically active lifestyle and healthy food choices, including participation in local food production.)
* Goal GL25 (Natural Environment).
Local Thurston County food production is encouraged and supported to increase self-sufficiency, reduce environmental impact, promote health, and the humane treatment of animals, and support the local economy.
* Policy PN8.7 (Natural Environment).
Reduce energy use and the environmental impact of our food system by encouraging local food production.
Olympia Municipal Code (Section 18.02.180) defines "agriculture" as the use of land for farming, dairying, pasturing and grazing, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, apiaries, animal and poultry husbandry, and accessory activities, including, but not limited to, storage, harvesting, feeding or maintenance of equipment, and onsite sales of agricultural products, but exclu...
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