Prineville buying 460 acres from Brooks Resources

The Prineville City Council cleared the way Thursday for the city to pay $1.2 million to Brooks Resources to buy 460 acres of property in the northern part of its Iron Horse development near Barnes Butte — not only for open space, but to gain valuable surface water rights.

The council authorized city staff to enter into the agreement, contingent on due diligence.

As further restrictions on ground water development are anticipated, the city said the land purchase fits into its strategic plan to strengthen its inventory of water rights.

As the community grows, the city recognized the potential for surface water rights to supplement existing ground water. These water rights would significantly strengthen the city’s water resources.

The city’s Transportation Plan also identifies the need to connect Peters Road and the North Ridge area to Combs Flat Road; also the potential to make connections from Combs Flat Road to Barnes Butte Road.

The city said the purchase of this property will give Prineville the necessary right of way to make these much-needed transportation connections.

The Barnes Butte area is a much-loved historical landmark in Prineville and Crook County. Since Brooks Resources purchased the 460 acres from the Hudspeth family, the community has enjoyed access to this special area.

The city’s potential purchase will put a good portion of this natural asset into public hands, preserving this open space potentially for parks, trail systems, wildlife habitat and wetland development.

Recently, the community collaborated on the concept of a sports complex, and the committee identified part of the land in their proposal as the ideal location.

During the city council’s Tuesday meeting, the fourth-quarter year-end (2015-16) financial report indicated the city is in a strong financial position and continues to strengthen.

“Conservative financial practices, combined with a 15 percent year-over-year growth in electrical franchise fee revenue from the data centers, places the city is in a position to consider making this investment and preserving this special part of our community for future generations,” the city’s announcement said.

“The public has indicated that they want this area preserved for future generations,” said Mayor Betty Roppe. “Tthis purchase ensures that will happen while strengthening our water resources and transportation system.”