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It was President John Kennedy who said "actions deferred are all too often opportunities lost, particularly in safeguarding natural resources."
The Trust for Public Land last year released a series of white papers summarizing research that shows a strong relationship between open spaces and the overall health levels in a community. In Scottsdale, we also know that there is a strong economic link between preservation and tourism. Visitors come to enjoy the unique landscapes of our communities.
In Scottsdale, we recently quantified some real savings resulting from preservation of land. The Transportation Master Plan found that due to our plans to preserve a third of our city, we are able to downsize previous plans for some roads in the northern area. About 83 lane-miles that had been in the old plan won’t need to be built. At a rough cost of $2 million to $3 million a mile, the city will be saving up to $200 million over the years. That is significant.
As we continue our quest for State Land Reform, there is plenty of work ongoing in our Preserve.
- Since 2005 the city has constructed two access areas and a third, the major Gateway to the Preserve, will be under construction with a tentative opening date in 2009.
- The Lost Dog Wash Access Area has been the recipient of numerous awards for the sustainable building and systems technologies incorporated into the design and construction.
- Over 45 miles of trails have been constructed and are open in and around the preserve for the public to enjoy hiking, equestrian and mountain bike use.
- We also have installed trail signage throughout the Preserve to assist visitors, and an emergency marker system has been installed to augment potential search and rescue situations.
We also must continue to forge ahead with our plans for the Desert Discovery Center, to be located at the Gateway to the Preserve. Right now we are working on creative ideas for that center to help visitors more fully appreciate the amazing Sonoran Desert.
In addition to continued land acquisition from the Preserve tax, donations of land from individuals, and land dedications, we will continue to explore other creative ways to acquire land for our McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
CONCLUSION
Scottsdale is a special place because our citizens are not afraid to take risks for the things they believe are truly worthwhile, and they are not afraid of long-term commitments. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Indian Bend Wash, SkySong and revitalization of Downtown and southern Scottsdale are fine examples. We have come so far as a community because we don’t give up. We stay in the saddle.
Like the riders in "Passing the Legacy," we reach back and draw from our past. We look ahead with a clear vision and purpose, and we work to carry our traditions into the future.
I chose this place on the bridge to add an exclamation point to tonight’s address. I believe Scottsdale’s greatness and Scottsdale’s future are tied not to a single set of events or decisions, but to a common vision carried out over many years as is the case in the remarkable transformation of this canal bank. The results speak for themselves.
Going forward, our challenges are clear:
Implement our strategic vision for our economic future.
Continue to build a truly sustainable community
Implement a smart, 21st Century transportation plan.
Complete our one-of a kind McDowell Sonoran Preserve
These are all within our grasp, if we remain focused on our vision of the future.
We can do it. The energy that drives this city is like the water below us. It is always flowing, never standing still. It is an electric sense that our potential is still untapped here in Scottsdale. Our best days do lie ahead.
Thank you. And God Bless America.
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