Pursuing "attainable, innovative" economic development.

By Susan Penn

The district's Strategic Plan mandates this, but current plans for development are neither attainable nor innovative.

At this time the District is ignoring this mandate and is mis-directing too much of its time, energy and money toward the development of the Redwood Marine Terminal (RMT). The RMT is a $35+ million pipe-dream tthat would provide the facilities for loading and unloading freighters and passenger ships.

This fantasy plan depends on the existence of an active railroad, however there is no such railroad. The plan assumes huge growth in ship traffic, with no details to support the assumptions. Nevertheless the District has been betting its financial future, and the bay's environmental future, on this futile dream.

Blinded by this fantasy the District has not been actively pursuing, or even encouraging, other options for generating revenue. Meanwhile the District has not been adequately addressing current needs, while allowing the deterioration of its established core facilities and services, and the businesses they support.

The District must remember that good-sense economic plans will recognize that recreational boaters, fishermen, oyster farms, cargo vessels, scientists, and many more also contribute to our economy. Tens of thousands, including locals and visitors, enjoy the bay from the shore. Quality-of-life considerations contribute powerfully to our economy.