Photo courtesy city of PlanoA look back at 2014 and a look forward to 2015
As the city of Plano grows in population and continues to aggressively pursue economic development, Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said the city will have to continue to focus on "embracing the opportunity of our future" and the changes it will bring.
He identified three issues that the city explored in 2014 and will face again in 2015.
Water
The city used 18.7 billion gallons of water last year. The city is working collaboratively with neighboring cities and the North Texas Municipal Water District to get the Lower Bois d'Arc Creek reservoir permitted by the state, which should come online in 2020. In 2014 access to Lake Texoma was fully restored, which is 28 percent of the district's water supply.
Transportation
LaRosiliere said transportation funding has become a high priority for all levels of government. New options such as Bus Rapid Transit are being explored as possible transit solutions. Plano is working collaboratively on expanding the intersection of the President George Bush Toll Turnpike with US 75 and the Dallas North Tollway, which should have a positive effect on mobility and congestion in the area. The council also plans to continue to aggressively approach repair and maintenance of existing thoroughfares throughout Plano.
