(Photo courtesy of the City of Prineville)
The City of Prineville and Brooks Resources have been exploring the opportunity for the City to purchase 460 acres of property in the northern portion of Brooks Resources’ Iron Horse development near Barnes Butte. The property includes approximately 305 acres of water rights. The purchase price will be $1.2 million.
As further restrictions on ground water development are anticipated, this fits into the City’s strategic plan to strengthen its inventory of water rights. As the community grows the City recognized the potential for surface water rights to supplement existing ground water. These water rights would significantly strengthen the City’s water resources.
The City’s Transportation Plan also identifies the need to connect Peters Road and the North Ridge area to Combs Flat Road; also the potential to make connections from Combs Flat Road to Barnes Butte Road. The purchase of this property would allow the City of Prineville to have the necessary right of way to make these much needed transportation connections.
The Barnes Butte area is a much-loved historical landmark in Prineville and Crook County. Since Brooks Resources purchased the 460 acres from the Hudspeth family, the community has enjoyed access to this special area.
The city’s potential purchase will put a good portion of this natural asset into public hands, preserving this open space potentially for parks, trial systems, wildlife habitat and wetland development. Recently the community collaborated on the concept of a sports complex, and the committee identified part of the land in their proposal as the ideal location.
During the City Council’s last meeting on August 9, the 4th quarter year-end (2015-16) financial report indicated the city is in a strong financial position and continues to strengthen. Conservative financial practices, combined with a 15 percent year-over-year growth in electrical franchise fee revenue from the data centers, places the city is in a position to consider making this investment and preserving this special part of our community for future generations.
“The public has indicated that they want this area preserved for future generations, this purchase ensures that will happen while strengthening our water resources and transportation system,” said Mayor Betty Roppe.
The Prineville City Council has authorized city staff to enter into an agreement with Brooks Resources, contingent on due diligence, to purchase the 460 acres.
