Reno Facing Decision on Creation of Flood Agency

Fourteen years after being hit by flooding, Reno, Nev., elected officials appear split on a plan to create a multi-jurisdictional flood control management authority.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that while Washoe County and the city of Sparks have approved creating the agency, the Reno City Council postponed a vote until Feb. 9.

Mayor Bob Cashell and Councilman Dan Gustin want more time to study a 67-page agreement setting up the new authority.

Project director Naomi Duerr says she needs to identify a local agency for flood control for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by March.

The corps would then seek congressional authorization and funding for the 15-year project.

Reno Councilman Dave Aiazzi supports the idea. He says the question is simply whether the region needs flood control or not.