Urban Sprawl? Try Urban Legend

From yesterday’s Lewiston Tribune:

Think the Palouse is exploding? Think again

Is growth out of hand and in need of constraints? Or is a perception in need of perspective?

Most people around the Palouse say growth is obviously here and, well, growing. Just look at all those new houses around town and on the rural skyline. Even Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has seen fit to look for larger retail space here and in neighboring Pullman.

No wonder terms like controlled growth and smart growth have become part of the local vernacular. Some sort of leash is needed to keep the place from becoming another sprawling Coeur d'Alene or a booming Boise.

Or is it?

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau begs the question.

Populations here and in Pullman have grown slightly, according to the latest available statistics, but the number of people living in both Latah and Whitman counties has declined.

"I was surprised about that," says Paul Kimmell, former Latah County commissioner and past executive director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce. "I think it (the perception of bigger population growth) might be because fewer people are building bigger homes."

In 2005, according to Census Bureau estimates, Moscow's population was 21,882 -- up 591 from 21,291 in 2000. Pullman, during those same years, grew by 587 from 24,675 to 25,262.

Latah and Whitman counties, meanwhile, lost 221 and 570 people respectively, between 2000 and 2005, according to Census Bureau statistics. Total estimated population for 2005 in Latah County was 34,714, with an estimated 40,170 living in Whitman County.

Only Stephen King tells more scary stories than the Left. It’s the only way they can get anything done. Ooooohh. Give up your cars or the ice caps will melt and flood the world. Ooooooh. If Wal-Mart comes to town, we’ll be “just like Coeur d’Alene.” Ooooooh.

What a crock. According to data presented by Steve Peterson, an economist at UI, Whitman County’s population is less now than it was in 1974!!!

According to U.S. Census data ,over the period from 2000-2005, only two counties in the State of Washington LOST population: Whitman and Garfield.

Tell the no-growth liberals we’ve had enough of their lies and exaggerations.