Polson growth policy comment period extended

POLSON — The comment period for the Polson Growth Policy has been extended to Jan. 31. Here are some highlights of the growth policy taken from the policy's web page.

A growth policy is a comprehensive planning document that evaluates the current trends and characteristics of a community and sets forth a series of goals in light of changing conditions.

In 1999, Montana passed legislation replacing "master" or "comprehensive" plan with "growth policy" and further defined the approach to community comprehensive planning.

Planning is defined as "a thoughtful, citizen-based activity that helps communities chart their future, and respond to change by providing a framework for decision-making" … to promote orderly community development … To provide local governing bodies with a defensible basis upon which to make decisions regarding the allocation of human and financial resources.

A Growth Policy is not a regulatory document. "It's about growth." Communities that are shrinking as well as those that are growing [need to]engage in comprehensive planning in order to help shape their future.

Steps involve: Defining existing conditions and concerns; setting goals and objectives; developing implementation strategies; identifying ways to work with other governing bodies (counties, tribal governments, etc.), and setting time lines and priorities.

Issues addressed in the growth policy are land use, facilities and Infrastructure, housing, demographics, the economy, services — police, fire, medical, education, library; natural and cultural resources, and utilities and communications.

Population is growing

The growth policy draft shows that Polson's 2000 population, according to the Census Bureau, was 4,041, a 24 percent increase from 1990. The 2003 estimate is 4,497, an 11.3 percent increase from 2000. This represents 15.2 percent of the Lake County population.

Median age is 38.6 compared with 37.5 for the State of Montana and 35.3 for the U.S.

In 2000, 19.6 percent of the population was 65 years of age or older compared with 13.4 percent for the state and 12.4 percent for the U.S.

Data show that 16.1 percent of the population is of American Indian or Alaskan descent; 78.2 percent of the population is listed as Caucasian. American Indian/Alaskan Natives make up .9 percent of Montana's overall population; Caucasians make up 75.1 percent).

Census figures showed that per capita income in Polson is $13,777 compared to the state per capita income of $17, 151 and the national per capita figure of $21,587.

Poverty rate for families is 16 percent compared to 10.5 percent for the state and 9.2 percent for the U.S. (2000 Census).

58.7 percent of population over the age of 16 are part of the labor force (1,832 people), compared to 65.4 percent for the state and 63.9 percent for the U.S. (2000 Census).

Unemployment is rising, too

Unemployment rate for Lake Co. (MT Dept. of Labor) in January 2004 was 8.6 percent compared to the 2003 annual average of 6.7 percent.

The 2000 census showed total housing units were 1,977, an increase of 26.6 percent from 1990. Home ownership is 53.9 percent compared to 69.1 percent for the state and 66.2 percent nationally.

Median value of owner-occupied housing in 2000 was $88,100 as compared to $47,500 in 1990. Median Gross Rent in 2000 was $401 compared with $275 in 1990.

Wastewater Treatment

Existing wastewater capacity will accommodate 430 additional residential connections (including recently approved subdivisions). System problems include algae blooms, pond sludge and erosion of pond banks. More stringent discharge limits will be set when the system permit is renewed, requiring a higher level of treatment.

The Primary storm sewer system is in good repair. Improvements are needed to the roof drain system to reduce the amount of rainwater that is sent to wastewater treatment facility.

The water system analysis is pending the preparation of a water facility plan that is currently underway.

The community is facing a number of issues related to the condition and location of its roadways according to the draft growth policy.

Copies are available for review at the Polson City Library and at the City Hall. You may also review the document at www.hkminc.com/polson

Send mail comments by Jan. 31 to Sarah Nicolai, HKM Engineering; P.O. Box 1009; Helena, MT 59624 or email to snicolai@hkminc.com