Nestle changes course

In a closed door emergency session yesterday Salida City Council members met with Nestle Waters North America (NWNA) to discuss their application withdrawal for the optioned parcel of land in Nathrop, favoring instead discussions pertaining to the purchase of the 191.6 acre Vandeveer property and all water rights. The City of Salida had been in negotiations with Courageux Development, LLC since September of 2007 but failed earlier this year to complete the purchase agreement.

Nestle proposes sustainable pumping of up to 247.56 acre feet per second at the new “Think Green Water Ranch” location. The Vandaveer Ranch property will also afford Nestle Waters North America the opportunity to construct a sterilization, bottling and shipping facility in Salida. “This is something we’ve been thinking about for some time.” Mike Nellenback, spokesperson for Nestle exclaimed, “I think the opportunity to serve Salida by providing a few jobs and creating a new environment of change for the valley is something most small towns would embrace, additionally we’ll help the community by supplying free cases of bottled water for High School sporting events and maybe even The Fibark.”

Within days Nestle Waters North America will begin conducting intensive scientific studies of the property. Concurrently, Nellenback states that Nestle is preparing all of the necessary documents for application to the city to purchase the land for an as yet undisclosed price. Council members state that negotiations are ongoing. Several similar facilities have been constructed around the country in recent years. Nestle proposes it will work to maintain the historic small town feel of Salida with the construction of it’s new Think Green Water Ranch facility. “It’s a win, win situation for everyone.” states Nellenback.

Photo taken on April Fools day.