It is critical that any programs and policies related to loads and load reductions be built on the best possible tools and quantitative analyses.  To better understand, and to provide input where appropriate, COG, under the auspices of the Water Resources Technical Committee, is hosting a worksession (probably the first of several) on Growth and Water Quality at COG on Monday, April 23, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  While there will be some discussion of programs and policies at this worksession, the main event will be a detailed presentation by Peter Claggett of the Bay Program staff addressing the data and modeling that is going into the development of the 2030 projections.  The results of this will be Land Use/Land Cover projections (urban and rural) at a fairly fine (sub-county) scale.  It is critical, and the Bay Program is concerned, that they get it right, so that the load projections from the Watershed Model reflect growth projections that have been well-vetted by those with a stake in the outcome and expertise in what their local land use is likely to look like.  This is a unique opportunity to provide Bay Program staff with the local government perspective on the development and application of growth projections.

 In addition to Bay Program staff, there will be staff from Virginia and Maryland who are being asked to share their perspectives on the growth projections and on related policy implications.  COG staff with growth projection expertise will also be participating.  It is anticipated that staff from COG members with a stake in the outcome (both wastewater and stormwater) and also an understanding of where growth is headed in their jurisdictions will be able to participate in this worksession.  Understanding and offering appropriate recommendations are part of the anticipated outcome.  Also, we will be spending some time discussing the policy context to lay the groundwork for subsequent worksessions more explicitly focused on programs and policies designed to meet the load limits in 2030.