I am writing to clarify water issues regarding the Gold Rush Ranch project. In a recent article, Sacramento firefighter Bart Weatherly questioned whether Gold Rush Ranch will help pay for the new transmission pipeline (Dec. 5, "Tones soften on Gold Rush"). As a former member of the Amador Water Agency board who represented Sutter Creek for 17 years, I would like residents to know the Gold Rush project will certainly help absorb substantial costs of pipeline construction.

The article also discussed whether we have adequate water supplies for Gold Rush. Over my many years at the water agency, I helped directly oversee numerous studies and projections that concluded time and again that we have secured and protected the water rights of Amador County ratepayers for decades to come. The most recent official staff studies have also concluded that if Sutter Creek chooses to pursue the Gold Rush project, there will be ample water and the community will be ensuring its fair share of the county's water supply.

Just as significant, the Gold Rush Ranch project will use treated wastewater for irrigating its golf course and common areas and generate millions of dollars for a new sewage treatment plant. These things could help keep local ratepayers from having to face huge increases in their monthly bills. There are many compelling reasons to support the Gold Rush Ranch project, including its ability to protect the water needs and wallets of Sutter Creek residents.