Last July, we brought to your attention information about pending legislation that has the potential, if passed, to negatively impact water rights and land development.  To date, Senate Bill 787, aka, the Clean Water Restoration Act has stalled.  On June 18, the bill was passed with an amendment by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and sent to the Senate floor for consideration.  Following this vote, Senator Mike Crapo from Idaho placed a “hold” on the bill, signaling his readiness to filibuster the bill if necessary.  Since then, no action has been taken.

In my opinion, this hold is good news.  However, until this legislation is dead, we will continue to monitor its status/progress and, as necessary, determine any impacts on land holdings and development rights. 

For full text of the Bill, please visit http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s787is.txt.pdf

It’s been almost 2 weeks since I returned from the NAHB Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.  Looking back on that experience confirms my impression that things are picking up and there is growing optimism in our industry. 

Heading to Vegas for the show, I kept hearing that attendance this year was smaller than last year’s weak attendance.  However, from my perspective, the crowd seemed larger and there was an interest and intensity among attendees that had been missing the past couple of shows.   

I also noticed those in attendance were there with a purpose and the mood had shifted to guarded optimism.  Add to that vibe, many people I spoke with felt better about the state of the industry and economy in their local markets.  Some even shared that they had experienced a good year in 2009; especially those located in the Wheat Belt states of Texas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.  Talking with other consultants at the show, I learned that there is growing interest from developers and home builders to begin considering land holdings for development, moving forward with entitlements in anticipation of a stronger market in 2011.

This experience coupled with recent articles in the news and conversations with clients and friends leads me to believe that things are improving for our industry.  Our phones have been ringing and projects are beginning to kick off or come off the back burner.  Altogether, these signs indicate that better days are ahead.  We can only hope it continues.