Having just read the ‘expose’ of the impact the new TSMC plant in Northwest Phoenix will have, there is but one thing glaringly missing. In the entire ‘stroking’ article, nothing, not one word was mentioned of the plant and its surrounding land developments “ripple effect” on the most important issue facing land development, that is water usage.
We are a state in a dire situation with respect to availability of water. The amount of new developments surrounding the plant is outrageous. The plant itself is drawing an inordinate amount of water from Lake Pleasant to cool down its chip making facilities.
If you are to talk of “ripple effects,” let’s get real about the consequences.
Dave Grondin, Camp Verde
Adding a new Arizona "C"
With all the growth in the Valley in the computer
chip industry, Arizona now has another "C" to add to its motto: 1. Copper 2. Citrus 3. Cattle 4. Climate 5. Cotton and now 6. Computer Chip.
Ron Heppner, Mesa
Arizona is becoming unlivable
Arizona is becoming much less desirable a place to reside. For families with children the education system is next to deplorable, ranking among the very bottom of the list. Housing costs are completely out of line with salaries and local government completely disregards the water supply problem which has been ignored for years.
As I watch television ads talking about impending water shortages, I also see sprinkler heads spewing water on desert dirt with brown grass! Property taxes may indeed be lower than many states but local sales tax is among the highest in the nation.
While the average American is barely scrapping by Arizona's largest utility company is requesting yet another increase of 14%, which would be the third increase in five years making it virtually impossible for residents to afford electricity during the summer months. In a nutshell, local government has had such a lack of responsibility in making Arizona a livable state.
Louis Gardella, Sun City
D.C. is ignoring Arizona’s water crisis
The recent Scottsdale Rotary Club speaker was Sarah Porter, Kyl Center for Water Policy at the Morrison Institute of Arizona State University. In discussions it was noted that there is a “disconnect with Washington D.C.” on the urgency to address the severe drought in the western U.S.
The disconnect is that in Washington D.C. there is little recognition of the water insecurity and a lack of attention being given by leaders on the impact of thirty years of drought in Arizona. An example is displayed on Sen. Mark Kelly's and Sen. Ruben Gallego’s websites where messages are solicited. Of the issues sought for comments, neither water nor water security is included.
Actions are need to be initiated now to assure there is a reliable source of water. If additional and significant action is not taken in Washington D.C., citizens of Arizona will suffer severe health and economic hardship.
Here is a leadership opportunity for Arizona members of Congress. It is a non-partisan issue, yet faces economic and political challenges. Is there an Arizona leader in Congress willing to take leadership to make fellow Congress members aware of this issue, seek media coverage and get solutions?
Max Rumbaugh, Past President, Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Scottsdale
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix growth ignores water woes | Letters
