UPDATED: Send comments on options for the Rock-McCarran Flood Project by Monday 8/18
The Flood Authority seeks resident preferences for two recreational alternatives.
8/14/25 1:00pm update: As luck would have it, the TRMPA has JUST issued an announcement extending the public comment period on the two recreational alternatives for the Rock-McCarran Flood Project to MONDAY, August 18th.
As the announcement states, “After this period, comment on the project will still be accepted, but this current window will close so comments can be compiled.”
***A QUICK NOTE ON DATA CENTERS*** Scroll to the bottom for information on today’s (Thursday, August 14) meeting of the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board, which will receive a staff update on Data Centers. That starts at 2:00pm.
This special midweek Brief primarily concerns one item: the Rock-McCarran Flood Project. Public comments for the first phase are due TOMORROW, Friday, August 15th (comments will still be solicited for other phases of the project, but this is the first round). [UPDATE: The window has just been extended to Monday, August 18.]
Your comments may be submitted through email to trfma@washoecounty.gov.
The Rock-McCarran project will be a large park of approximately 168 acres located on the south side of the Truckee River between South Rock Blvd. and South McCarran Blvd. The land is owned by the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA).
Here’s the basic location, on a map from the project’s main report, found here.
As you can see on the TRFMA website, the next Working Group meeting to discuss the alternatives for this project will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 6-8pm online via Zoom only (you’ll find the Zoom registration link on that webpage).
That discussion on August 27th will include the following:
History, purpose, and need for the Rock-McCarran Flood Project.
Importance of the unique location of the project as it relates to flood control, river function, and design considerations.
Rational and need for the plan to move the river channel south of its current configuration.
Opportunities for ecosystem and river function restoration and recreation because of the parks size and location
Comparison & contrast between proposed concepts of a combination of recreation complex and natural area near the river vs. extended open natural area in upper terrace, pros/cons, concerns, costs etc.
After that, the TRFMA Board of Directors will deliberate and give direction to the design team at their Board meeting in October.
What are the Rock-McCarran Flood Project Alternatives?
So if you want to send in your comments, thoughts, and preferences by the first round deadline on Friday, August 15, what do need to know?
First of all, why is a recreational area being contemplated here at all? The TRFMA explains the reason for offering these alternatives here:
Both proposed concepts include a substantial natural restored area along the Truckee River where TRFMA would excavate out dirt to reconnect the river to its floodplain, creating wetland terraces and in stream habitat for fish and wildlife as well as establishing wetland areas and slowing the river, preventing erosion of the banks and improving water quality. The park is designed to mitigate the impact of a major flood using berms and levees to temporarily contain and slow flood waters during a major event.
Here’s a closer view of the project area boundary, from the TRFMA report.
The two recreation options being presented for this stretch of the river are a nature park OR a combination of nature park and recreation complex. Both, as the report states, would be designed to mitigate flood impacts along the river. You can view the full presentation that was delivered on July 30 to the Working Group here.
Even better, you can watch the full video of the July 30 presentation for the staff’s explanation of the project and options, along with public comments and Q&A.
The main differences between the concepts are highlighted below:
CONCEPT 1 is for the Rock-McCarran Flood Project to take the shape of a more natural park with hiking trails, river access, bird watching, educational gardens, grass meadows, community gardens, etc.
CONCEPT 2 includes the potential for ~11 flat sports fields, a linear park with hiking trails, and the parking needed for these amenities. This alternative also includes hiking trails along the river and river access.
I know these maps below are small, and there are several more slides accompanying the presentation that further elaborate on these options, so please view the full slide presentation or the video above for more information and detail.
Recreation Concept 1 - Nature Park
Recreation Concept 2 - Nature Park and Recreation Complex
Media Coverage of the Two Alternatives
Here are a few recent articles discussing the alternatives:
Nature area or sports fields? Board to decide on plan for massive park along Truckee River (News4Reno 8/1/25)
Public feedback sought on Truckee River park, flood project designs (This is Reno 8/11/25)
Lacrosse organization backs 11-field plan for 168-acre plot along Truckee River in Reno (RGJ 8/11/25)
Be sure to consult the Truckee River Flood Management Authority website for more information about all of this.
Again, your comments may be submitted through email to trfma@washoecounty.gov.
ALERT: Data Center Research to be presented TODAY, Thursday, August 14th
I’ve been heavily promoting the upcoming August 20th Community Conversation about data centers organized by the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency, and encourage you to plan to attend that, if you’re interested.
But if you’d like a sneak peek of the TMRPA staff’s research on the topic, tune into the Regional Planning Governing Board’s meeting TODAY, August 14th at 2pm.
You can find that agenda here and view the meeting live via YouTube here. The Data Center research update is Item 8.E and you can read the Staff Report on that here.
This is Reno just published an article about today’s meeting, the August 20th conversation, and some of the research from the TMRPA report:
Planning agency board to weigh data center impacts at Aug. 14 meeting (This is Reno 8/13/25)
REMINDER: Don’t miss my August 10th Brief
Of course, be sure to read my August 10th edition of the Brief, published this past Sunday, if you haven’t already. I present an idea for how the City of Reno could join many other cities in publishing a weekly e-newsletter about the week ahead.
I’ll be back soon with more updates and previews of next week. Enjoy your weekend.
Be sure to check out my Citizen Guide for helpful resources and links to help anyone become more informed and engaged in issues related to urban development (& more) in Reno.
You can view this and prior newsletters on my Substack site, subscribe to receive each new edition in your email inbox, and follow the Brief (and contribute to the ongoing conversation) on X, Facebook & Instagram. If you feel inspired to contribute, you may purchase a paid subscription through Substack or contribute via Venmo at @Dr-Alicia-Barber or via check to Alicia Barber at P.O. Box 11955, Reno, NV 89510.