The League of Women Voters of Benton and Franklin Counties supports regional planning and implementation of river shore development to carry out the following objectives (in order of priority):

1. preservation of the unique natural quality of the area's river shore;
2. enhanced recreational and cultural activities;
3. contribution to the region's tax base.

Plans for river shore development should include:

• preservation of existing public riverfront land as public land with public access;
• continuous pathways and trails along the river shore;
• maintenance and preservation of the uncultivated sections of parks for the continued appreciation of indigenous plant and animal life;
• preservation of the Yakima River Delta/Bateman Island and other wetlands, wildlife habitats, environmentally and archaeologically sensitive areas;
• recreational facilities such as swimming facilities, bicycle/jogging paths and tennis courts;
• public facilities such as museums, science centers and performance centers;
• modification and beautification of the levees consistent with flood control.

Plans should exclude:

• vehicular or animal racing;
• heavy industry;
• high rise residential or commercial buildings. Commercial development should be limited to that which clearly supports the three objectives stated above.
• conveniently located parks with adequate public access.
• making parks and recreation development a high priority in city and county planning. Each city and county should have an active and effective park board.
• the setting aside of acreage for parks in areas of urban and suburban development, before development.
• the continued development and maintenance of swimming facilities, bicycle paths, jogging trails and tennis courts.
• cooperation and communication among regional park departments and school districts.
• formation of volunteer committees to support the needs of the park systems.
• local bond elections and acquisition of state and federal monies to fund park development and maintenance.