The state governments of Missouri and Arkansas are expected to sign an agreement this year to create a watershed and aquifer protection pact geared at controlling water quality from sources that cross state boundaries.
"Missouri pushed for the pact, and it's been in development for months, Randy Young, director of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, said Wednesday."
"Edward Swaim, an attorney for the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, said a memorandum he gave to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is a final version. Kerry Cordray, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said "there are still some final points being agreed upon." The document shows the states intend to cooperate regarding "water quality and water quantity issues involving surface and ground water resources." It calls for Missouri and Arkansas agencies dealing with water issues to meet at least annually, starting next year with the first meeting in Arkansas."
"The Springfield Plateau and Ozark aquifers include large areas of northern Arkansas and almost all of southern Missouri."
"There are joint watersheds, too, like the one that feeds the White River. The river starts south of Fayetteville, flows north to create Beaver Lake, then flows into Missouri north of Eureka Springs and into Table Rock Lake. It returns to Arkansas near Diamond City in Boone County, forming Bull Shoals Lake."
FULL STORY: Pact to protect shared waters set for signing
California Groundwater Difficult to Replenish
After a wet winter, California's historic drought is over for now. But larger stores of groundwater stored in natural aquifers, steadily depleting, will be difficult to refill.
Pumping California Dry
Water shortages and environmentally-based restrictions are leaving Central California's agricultural lands dry. As a result, farmers are increasingly tapping into groundwater sources. Many are calling on the state to monitor the use of its aquifers.
How Capturing Rainwater Can Make Cities Safer, More Resilient
Green infrastructure can help prevent flooding and replenish groundwater supplies, preventing subsidence that makes land sink.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
EPA Terminates $116 Million in Grants for Reducing Emissions from Construction Materials
C-MORE grants were earmarked for industry trade groups and universities.
BART Closes $35 Million Deficit
Cost control and revenue generation measures prevented service cuts.
The New Parisian Hearse is a Bicycle
Sleek, silent, and sustainable, a green trip to the graveyard has hit the streets of the French capital.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland