 |
| City
Administration, Emergency Services and Other Agencies |
| Directory
of Branson West Businesses |
| Branson West Municipal Airport |
| Planning
And Zoning, Subdivision Regulations And Design Standards |
| Comprehensive
Plan And Demographics |
| A
History of Branson West |
Local and Regional Maps |
| Home
|
Comprehensive Plan
And Demographic Study
|
Chapter 1
IntroductionThe City of Branson West is located in southeastern Stone County, just north of Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri. The city is situated at the intersection of two major corridors, State Highways 13 and 76, in a strategic location to benefit from the entertainment and recreational centers of the region (see Figure 1.1). Branson West’s pivotal location gave rise to significant commercial development in the 1970s. More recently, however, the city has experienced an influx of residential development. Branson West has the public infrastructure components such as wastewater treatment, water supply systems, and major transportation routes along with convenient access to shopping, medical care, and schools that attract residential developers. On the other hand, since the financial resources of the city are primarily generated through the collection of sales tax, the city is motivated to encourage a favorable business climate to attract new businesses and help sustain existing businesses. Therefore, the city is challenged to meet and balance the needs of the business citizens, those generating and collecting the sales tax, and the residential citizens, those voting on issues affecting the direction of community growth and quality of life. It is important to point out that Branson West is by no means an “island” unto itself. Many of the needs and concerns experienced within the city limits of Branson West are also experienced by the region surrounding Branson West and should be approached with a regional perspective. Branson West is committed to establishing and maintaining a leadership position on regional issues and to remain objective and complementary in all regional issues. Branson West is committed to defining a leadership role and fostering a regional perspective on the following issues:
The Branson West Comprehensive Plan is a compilation of goals, objectives and strategies to guide future growth and development within the city and help define the role that Branson West plays in the region. The Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a framework for city leaders and officials to follow when making public land use and development decisions in the city. The Plan assesses the physical, social, economic and environmental features of the community and provides recommended strategies for Branson West to achieve orderly and balanced growth and development. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||
|
City |
1990 |
2000 |
Percent Change |
|
Branson West |
37 |
408 |
1,002.7 |
|
Blue Eye |
112 |
129 |
15.2 |
|
Galena |
401 |
451 |
15.2 |
|
Hurley |
122 |
157 |
28.7 |
|
Reeds Spring |
411 |
465 |
13.1 |
|
Stone County |
19,078 |
28,658 |
50.2 |
|
Missouri |
5,117,073 |
5,595,211 |
9.3 |
|
|
|||
An analysis of the age characteristics of Branson West’s population helps to determine the potential for future growth of the community and can help city leaders plan for necessary improvements to or expansion of public services and facilities.
The 1990 age composition of Branson West’s population is shown in Table 2.2. The largest percentage of Branson West’s population is in the 45-64 year age group, accounting for 27 percent of the total population. The 5-17 and 25-44 year age groups claim 24.3% and 21.6%, respectively, of the total population. There is a strong potential for future growth in Branson West with a large percentage of the population in the 25-44 year age group with young families. There is also a significant percentage of the population under the age of 24 years, increasing the potential for growth if they remain in Branson West and start families of their own.
Age Group
Number
Percent of Total
Population
0-4
3
8.1
5-17
9
24.3
18-24
3
8.1
25-44
8
21.6
45-64
10
27.0
65 and over
4
10.8
Total
37
100.0
Anticipating potential future population growth in Branson West is fundamental when planning for improvements to or expansion of public facilities and services, and when guiding the future development of the community. Past growth trends of Branson West and the surrounding area indicate substantial growth, especially within the past decade. The 2000 Census figures for Branson West equate to an average annual growth rate of slightly more than 100 percent during the 1990s, with an average annual growth rate of slightly over five percent for Stone County.
Population projections use past growth trends to anticipate future population growth and change in the community. Rates of birth, death, and migration in or out of the community determine the growth or decline of the population in a community. It is important to keep in mind that population projections cannot precisely predict the population in the future. However, population projections are useful in serving as a guide for planning for the community infrastructure, facilities and services that will be needed to serve the future anticipated population.
Table 2.3 shows the projected population of Branson West in the year 2010 and 2020. It should be noted that projection techniques are normally based on a longer period of historical growth. Branson West (formerly Lakeview) was incorporated during the 1970s and therefore the first official count was made during the 1980 Census. However, this count was in error as it included persons that lived outside of the city limits. Therefore, historical population counts for Branson West are limited to the past decade only. Due to the lack of historical data, there is greater potential for error in forecasting the community’s future population.
Four projection techniques were used to forecast Branson West’s population--the Linear Direct, Linear Regression, Parabolic Regression, and Modified Exponential methods. The Linear Direct and Linear Regression methods project the population based on the assumption that Branson West will experience relatively constant incremental growth in the future. The Parabolic Regression method projects the population of Branson West if the city were to experience a faster rate of growth during the next 10 to 20 years. Finally, the Modified Exponential method projects Branson West’s population assuming a very fast and increasing rate of growth.
Projection
Technique
2010
2020
Linear Direct
779
1,150
Linear Regression
714
1,110
Parabolic
Regression
1,291
2,690
Modified
Exponential
1,338
3,659
Projected Low
700
1,100
Projected High
1,300
3,600
The population projections are intended to provide city leaders with a general idea of the growth Branson West will likely experience in the next ten to twenty years. However, other factors that will impact growth and development must also be considered to effectively plan for the future of the community. Development constraints, such as steep topography in and around Branson West, will largely determine the potential for and the location and types of future growth and development. When planning for future public services and facilities, city leaders should consider a faster rate of growth to ensure the availability of necessary infrastructure to its citizens. On the other hand, a slower rate of growth may be more appropriate when determining future financial resources for the city.
When preparing a comprehensive plan for a community it is important to understand local socio-economic characteristics such as income and employment characteristics. A review of socio-economic characteristics and business establishments in the city helps to determine the economic vitality of a community.
Branson West has experienced a rapid growth rate, and with population growth comes business development. Due to Branson West’s population growth and its pivotal location at the intersection of State Highways 13 and 76, just three miles from Silver Dollar City, five miles from the Ports of Kimberling City on Table Rock Lake, and seven miles from Branson, the city has experienced exceptional business growth in the past five to ten years.
In 1992, when the city’s name was changed from Lakeview to Branson West, the city had 50 licensed businesses. In 1994 the Wal-Mart Supercenter opened in Branson West, adding an additional boost to the economy. As of June 1999, there were 118 licensed full time businesses, 38 licensed contractors, and 31 registered seasonal vendors within the city limits.
Road improvements to State Highways 13 and 76, and worldwide exposure of the area in the past couple of years from the Miss USA pageant held in Branson will help to expand new business in the community. A proposed general aviation airport just outside of the current Branson West city limits will also help to spur new development in the area.
Assessing the income characteristics of a population helps to determine the economic life of the community. In 1989, the median household income for Branson West was $ 15,000. Median household income for Stone County and the state were $21,049 and $26,362, respectively, in 1989. Median household income includes families and households that do not have families, predominantly single person households. Table 3.1 shows median household income for Branson West and its peer communities. As the table shows, median household income in Branson West is comparable to that of its peer communities.
City
Median Household
Income
Branson West
$15,000
Blue Eye
$15,625
Galena
$10,515
Hurley
$15,000
Reeds Spring
$15,500
Stone County
$21,049
Missouri
$26,362
Source: U.S. Census
Bureau. STF for Missouri and Selected
Counties
Another important component in the economic health of a community is the rate of poverty. As noted in Table 3.2, the poverty rates varied widely between Branson West and its peer communities. The poverty rate in Branson West in 1989 was 9.5 percent. Galena had the highest poverty rate with 40.1 percent, while Blue Eye had the lowest with 6.8 percent. Stone County’s poverty rate was 14.7 percent in 1989, while the overall poverty rate for the state was 13.3 percent.
City
Percent Poverty
Rate
Branson West
9.5
Blue Eye
6.8
Galena
40.1
Hurley
25.9
Reeds Spring
17.4
Stone County
14.7
Missouri
13.3
Employment and education characteristics are important factors to evaluate when planning for the future growth and development of the community Education and employment serve as indicators of the skill level of the labor force. Workforce development has become an increasingly important factor affecting opportunities for attracting new business development to southwest Missouri.
Employment in Branson West is affected by the employment rates in both Stone and Taney Counties. If there are plenty of jobs available in both counties the local merchants in Branson West must compete harder for the limited work force available in the area. The annual average employment in Stone County increased 49 percent from 8,445 in 1990 to 12,583 in 1999. Employment per capita increased in Stone County between 1990 and 1999 as the 49 percent increase in employment out-paced the county’s population growth rate for the same period. Employment statewide increased 12.6 percent between 1990 and 1999, while neighboring Taney and Christian Counties experienced employment increases of 115.5 percent and 61.4 percent, respectively. Stone County employment is growing at an aggressive rate, yet by comparison with its neighbors, the rate of growth is quite manageable.
Unemployment rates in Stone County decreased from 9.3 percent in 1990 to 8.0 percent in 1999. During the same time period, overall unemployment rates for Missouri decreased from 5.8 percent to 3.4 percent. Table 3.3 compares unemployment rates in Stone County and Missouri. The higher annual unemployment rates in Stone and neighboring Taney County reflect the seasonal nature of the tourism industry. Seasonal unemployment is beginning to decline as a growing number of tourism businesses expand to year around operations. However, Stone County continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in southwest Missouri. The U.S. Department of Labor has designated Stone County as a Labor Surplus Area (LSA). LSAs are eligible for preferential treatment for federal contracts in order to reduce higher unemployment rates.
Jurisdiction
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Stone County
9.3
10.3
8.7
11.3
9.0
10.8
11.1
12.1
11.1
8.0
Missouri
5.8
6.7
5.7
6.5
4.9
4.8
4.6
4.2
4.2
3.4
According to the 1990 Census, the largest percentage of Branson West’s working population is employed as operators, fabricators and laborers with technical service, sales and administrative support occupations coming in a close second. The largest percentage of the working population in Stone County is employed in technical service, sales, and administrative support occupations.
An evaluation of 1990 educational attainment for Branson West indicates that 38.8 percent of the population 25 years and over graduated from high school (includes equivalency), and 33 percent have some college (no degree). Comparatively, 38.7 percent of the population 25 years and over in Stone County and 33.1 percent in Missouri graduated from high school (includes equivalency).
Housing is an essential resource in a community and plays a large role in the health and viability of the area. The future growth and development of Branson West depends, to a large degree, on the availability of affordable housing in good condition.
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, there were a total of 19 housing units in Branson West in 1990. Of the 19 housing units, 50 percent were owner-occupied. Table 3.4 compares housing unit characteristics for Branson West and its peer communities. It is important to note that since the 1990 Census was conducted, there has been a significant increase in the number of total housing units in Branson West, which in turn can impact the percentages of owner and renter-occupied housing units.
Jurisdiction
Owner
Occupied
Renter
Occupied
Manufactured
Branson West
50.0
50.0
47.4
Blue Eye
70.2
29.8
43.9
Galena
73.9
26.1
12.8
Hurley
64.9
35.1
5.0
Reeds Spring
70.3
29.7
16.1
Stone County
81.6
18.4
22.6
Misouri
68.8
31.2
7.4
Table 3.5 compares the housing costs in Branson West and its peer communities in 1990. Several Stone County communities experienced a decrease in average value of owner occupied housing between 1980 and 1990. Stone County experienced a 3.3 percent decrease in average housing value between 1980 and 1990. During the same ten-year period, Galena realized a 20.7 percent decrease in average housing value, the largest decrease in the communities evaluated. On the other hand, average housing value in Reeds Spring and Blue Eye increased by 11.1 percent and 35.8 percent, respectively, between 1980 and 1990.
City
Branson West
$22,500
$375
Blue Eye
$36,500
$265
Galena
$28,844
$182
Hurley
$24,909
$175
Reeds Spring
$36,400
$234
Stone County
$65,485
$305
Missouri
$71,435
$368
Owner Occupied
Rent
Just as it is important to evaluate the availability and affordability of housing in Branson West, it is equally important to look at the condition of the existing housing stock. Table 3.6 shows the median year built for the housing in Branson West and its peer communities in 1990. Age of the housing stock serves as a general indicator of condition as it is assumed that newer housing is likely to be in good or standard condition. As indicated in the table, the housing in Branson West is relatively new compared to the housing in its peer communities. With a median year built of 1976, Branson West has the newest housing stock of the communities evaluated, Stone County, and the state.
Commuting patterns include travel time to work and means of transportation to work. Commuting patterns are important in understanding where the residents of Branson West are employed. According to the 1990 Census, 56.3 percent of the working population, aged 16 years or over, in Branson West walked to work. The remaining 43.7 percent of the working population drove alone to work. The majority, 62.5 percent, of Branson West’s working population travels less than five minutes to work, while the remaining 37.5 percent travel between 10 and 14 minutes to work. These numbers indicate that Branson West’s working population is working close to their residence, either in Branson West itself or nearby.
In comparison 70.2 percent of Stone County’s working population, aged 16 and over, drove alone to work, while 16.5 percent carpooled to work. Fifty-two percent of the working population in Stone County travels 30 minutes or more to work.
Law enforcement, fire protection, wastewater treatment, and electric and water services are essential to the health of a community, but also contribute to the quality of life in the community. Such things as the quality of area schools and the availability of recreational opportunities can have a strong influence on the decision to establish residence in a particular community, or invest in the economy. Branson West must provide adequate levels of public infrastructure and services to meet the needs of the present population and anticipate and plan for future growth.
The City of Branson West began developing sewer services in June 1989 and water services in November 1991. The city has a new large capacity wastewater treatment plant that opened for operation in October 1998, and an additional well and storage tower. Currently, there are approximately 225 water and sewer customers and the city has excess capacity. The City of Branson West will always endeavor to maintain a surplus of both wastewater treatment capacity and water service.
The Branson West service area is located at the apex of three natural drainage areas. The area north of State Highway 76 and east of State Highway 13 is located in the West Fork Roark Creek drainage basin. The area south of Highway 76 is located within the Indian Creek drainage basin. Finally, the area west of Highway 13 lies within the Ance Creek drainage basin.
The city currently has one wastewater treatment plant with a rated capacity of 740,000 gallons per day (gpd) average. The treatment plant, which opened for operation in October of 1998, is located in the South Ance Creek drainage basin, which is approximately four square miles. Wastewater from the West Fork Roark Creek and the Indian Creek drainage basins is pumped to the plant.
The existing wastewater collection system consists of 8-inch and 10-inch gravity sewers, 6-inch force mains and seven lift stations. A lift station in the North Ance Creek service area would provide service to another six square miles. At full development, and assuming low-density development of two to three residential structures per acre, the projected average day residential wastewater flow for the combined North and South Ance Creek basins would be about 1,200,000 per day. Commercial flows would greatly increase the total flow and significant expansions to the current facility would be required to serve just the Ance Creek drainage basin.
The service area within the Indian Creek drainage basin is not large enough to justify a separate treatment facility. The Indian Creek drainage basin contains approximately one square mile, with a projected build-out average wastewater flow of approximately 300,000 gallons per day. Flow generated at this time within the Indian Creek basin area is pumped to the West Fork Roark Creek drainage basin. As developments continue to occur within the Indian Creek basin efforts will be made to pump into the Ance Creek basin. This would eliminate the sewage from being pumped at two separate locations.
Residential development is occurring within the West Fork Roark Creek drainage basin at this time. Future residential development is likely to continue. Existing wastewater infrastructure pumps from the West Fork Roark Creek drainage basin to the existing South Ance Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility. As the remaining area of approximately two square miles, which lies within the present corporate limits, continues to develop lift stations will shift to the east and continue to utilize the infrastructure now in place. Branson West will focus on the environmental impact placed upon the West Fork Roark Creek basin, which leads to the Lake Taneycomo region.
Branson West’s current source of water is from two deep wells that are rated at 850 gallons per minute (gpm) total capacity. The water supply is chlorinated before being pumped to the distribution system. No other treatment is provided to the supply.
Well No. 1 is rated at 350 gpm at 680 feet of head and delivers water directly to the distribution system and the adjacent 300,000-gallon elevated tank. The elevated tank has an overflow elevation of 1500.3 feet USGS. The height to overflow is 130 feet. The existing well and elevated tank are both located behind Wal-Mart along State Highway 13. These facilities are connected to the distribution system by a 10-inch PVC line.
The water supply well and elevated tank were constructed in 1993 replacing an existing well and bolted standpipe. The standpipe was demolished and removed.
Well No. 2 is rated at 500 gallons per minute (gpm) with 805 feet of head and a 300,000 gallon elevated tank. Well No. 2 and tank are located in the northern part of the city limits adjacent to Catamount Ridge North subdivision.
The following improvements were recently completed to extend the distribution system:1) 1,600 foot water line extension west on County Road 13-270 for residential and
commercial development
2) 2,000 foot water line extension south on State Highway 13 for commercial
development with residential development possible
The City of Branson West will continue to focus on extending the water distribution system as demand occurs.
The Southern Stone County Fire Protection District provides fire protection and fire safety standards enforcement in Branson West. Mutual aid agreements among fire districts are implemented so that neighboring fire districts can assist one another when extra equipment and fire fighters are needed.
Stone County is completely covered in the provision of fire protection almost exclusively through volunteer efforts. The Southern Stone County Fire District has approximately 150 volunteers and two paid staff members. The District has one pumper truck, four tankers, six brush trucks, and three rescue vehicles.
The Branson West Police Department cooperates with all other law enforcement agencies operating in Stone County. Currently, the Department has a total of five full time and one part-time staff members. The Police Department provides 24-hour coverage for the citizens of Branson West.
Branson West, along with all of Stone County will benefit from a new E-911 system, which is currently being implemented. In addition, St. John’s Ambulance service recently located a facility in Branson West to serve the community and the surrounding area and to ensure effective response time for EMS personnel to emergency situations.
The Reeds Spring R-IV School District serves the City of Branson West. The District’s enrollment has increased rapidly with the growth of Branson West and the surrounding communities. Between 1989 and 1999, total enrollment increased from 1,203 to 1,992 students, an increase of 66 percent. The school district’s facilities include four schools: Reeds Spring Primary (PK-2), Reeds Spring Intermediate (3-5), Reeds Spring Middle School (6-8), and Reeds Spring High School (9-12).
Rapid development in Branson West and Stone County is having a significant impact on area schools. Renovations, additions, and new facilities are planned for the next five to ten years in nearly every school district in Stone County. However, financing limitations due to statutory requirements and limited assessed property value has made financing improvements difficult.
Currently the City of Branson West does not have a public park or recreational facility. The closest park is Waldo Park located south on State Highway 13 approximately one-half mile from the city’s southern boundary.
With continued residential growth the need for a public park and/or recreation facility will become a matter of priority.
GOAL: Provide for high quality public services and facilities to meet the health, safety and recreation needs and desires of Branson West’s current and future residents.
Objective 1: Ensure the availability of adequate public water and wastewater treatment services to support existing development and future growth in Branson West by encouraging growth contiguous to existing development so as to maximize the utilization of existing services and facilities.
Action 1: Expand municipal services only in areas experiencing high growth pressure and areas where regional environmental concerns deem expansion of the system necessary.
Action 2: Require new development to assume a reasonable share of the cost for expansions or improvements to the public infrastructure system.
Consider the establishment of impact fees, charged to new development as it occurs, in order to assist in financing the public infrastructure improvements required as a result of new growth. Revenues derived from impact fees should be placed in a sinking fund designated for expansion/improvement of the facility or service. The use of impact fees will ensure more equitable distribution of the costs of growth by shifting a portion of the burden to new growth rather than continually placing the majority of the burden on the existing community.
Action 3: Permit new development only if water and wastewater treatment services can be readily provided.
If a proposed development will exceed the capacity of the municipal water or wastewater treatment system, the development should not be permitted until the city is able to provide for expansion of the utility system. If the city is unable to provide to the system expansion, the development should be given the option of assuming the costs of the expansion.
Action 4: Increase the capacity of Branson West’s wastewater treatment plant to 1.2 million gallons per day as needed and add phosphorus removal.
Action 5: Increase the capacity of Branson West’s water storage facilities to a minimum of 900,000 gallons by adding an additional well and a 300,000-gallon tank to accommodate growth in the community.
Action 6: Continue efforts to eliminate direct discharge of wastewater through land application methods.
Action 7: Study the need for an additional backup well and water treatment facility in Branson West as the city continues to grow and develop.
Objective 2: Ensure adequate fire protection services for the community.
Action 1: Evaluate alternative options for providing increased fire protection services to the citizens of Branson West, including the establishment of a fire station within the city limits.
Objective 3: Continue to provide for adequate levels of law enforcement.
Action 1: As the community grows and law enforcement requirements increase, the city should develop plans and financing options to expand the Police Department as needed to meet the safety needs of Branson West’s population.
Objective 4: Preserve the beauty and serenity of the community and provide leisure and recreation opportunities for the citizens of Branson West.
Action 1: Provide incentives to developers to incorporate greenways or other usable public open space and recreation areas in new developments.
Incentive programs, such as cluster subdivisions, and flexible development regulations, such as planned unit developments, can be offered to encourage developers to provide greenways or public open space. The city should encourage developers to provide for such public open space through the zoning and subdivision review and approval process.
Action 2: Study and encourage the establishment of a nature trails system in Branson West and coordinate with neighboring communities on a regional nature trails system.
An interlinked system of trails can serve other functions in addition to providing for recreational opportunity. Trail development can help to achieve transportation goals and when located near streams or creeks can protect and preserve sensitive natural environments from more intensive urban use.
There are a number of features in the Branson West and larger Stone County area that help to determine the locations and types of land uses, and define the opportunities and constraints for future growth and development in the area. The following chapter addresses the most obvious environmental features affecting land use and their implications for development.
Branson West is located in the southwestern Ozarks Plateaus region of the Interior Highlands physiographic province. The city is situated on the Salem Plateau portion of the Ozarks Plateaus. Deep, narrow valleys below sharp, scenic ridges characterize the rugged topography. Major drainages in the Salem Plateau are characterized by rolling uplands with local relief of 100 to 200 feet. Narrow valleys from 200 to 500 feet deep characterize smaller streams. The Salem Plateau has an average elevation range of 1,000 to 1,400 feet mean sea level (msl). Figure 5.1 displays the topographic and hydrologic features of Branson West and the surrounding area.
The area of Stone County is underlain by Jefferson City Dolomite and the Roubidoux Formation in the uplands and Gasconade Dolomite of Ordovician age in the valleys. Karst topographic features are common throughout Stone County, including the Branson West area. Karst features develop in areas of bedrock with high carbonate content. The bedrock is easily dissolved by a dilute carbonic acid found in the atmosphere, vegetation, and shales. Water infiltrates the bedrock and is channelized through natural cracks, joints, faults, and bedding planes. The dissolution of the bedrock and channelization of water results in caves, sinkholes, losing streams, springs, and other karst features.
The topography of Stone County and Branson West is very rugged and is characterized by deep, narrow valleys below sharp ridges. Approximately 45 percent of Stone County has slopes of greater than 10 percent. Branson West and the surrounding area are characterized by slopes of 20 percent or greater.
The soils in Stone County and the Branson West area vary from shallow to deep, and drainage is good to excessive except for areas in the bottomlands. Soil cover is thin to none on the steep slopes and susceptible to erosion in low-lying areas. Soil type and underlying geologic features can have a significant impact on development in Branson West. The proliferation of septic systems can impact water quality due to underground conduits characteristic of karst areas. Improperly installed or maintained septic systems can discharge poorly treated or untreated waste into excessively drained soil and into ground water.
Fragipan or shallow depth to bedrock can increase construction costs, and highly permeable soils can contribute to contamination of underground drinking water. Continuous demand for underground water can increase the cost of constructing wells, which have to be drilled deeper below the surface. Finally, erosion becomes a problem as development occurs on thin soils and existing tree cover is removed.
The diverse geology of the region has contributed to the creation of a rich environment for many species of plants and animals. Significant natural communities in Stone County include chert savannas, dolomite and limestone glades, creeks and small rivers, caves, dry limestone/dolomite cliffs and mesic limestone/dolomite forest. Natural communities, such as the ones found in Stone County, are important in that they provide habitats for sensitive and endangered species. The West Fork glade/savanna complex in Stone County, located about one mile east of Branson West, was identified by the Missouri Department of Conservation as the largest and highest-quality glade complex in Stone County. Caves, another predominant natural community found in the area, are located throughout Stone County; including Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City and Talking Rocks Cavern located just south of Branson West on Highway 13.
Numerous rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants and aquatic and terrestrial animals have suitable habitats in the natural features and natural communities of Stone County. Natural features include significant habitat-managed areas such as the Ashe Juniper Natural Area, located in southeastern Stone County. Natural Areas such as the Ashe Juniper area are home to a variety of protected species including the Gray Bat (federal and state endangered), Ozark Cavefish (federal threatened and state endangered), and the Black-Tailed Jackrabbit (state endangered).
Floodplains in Stone County are located on and near virtually every significant water body in the county including the James River, Table Rock Lake, Indian Creek, and Crane Creek. The 100-year floodplain as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) is accepted as the flood elevation that has a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. Thus, the 100-year flood could occur more than once in a relatively short period of time.
Water quality is a regional concern. The quality of water and groundwater is an integral part of the human and natural environment. Implications of not protecting water quality can be life threatening for humans and plant and animal species. Poor water quality has serious consequences that can threaten the quality of life in the Branson West and surrounding area.
Significant population growth and accelerating rates of change in land use have put significant demands on the land, and consequently on natural resources. The unique topography and geology of the Ozarks region makes this area especially susceptible to water quality threats.
Branson West has excellent water quality and has taken many steps to ensure that the quality of the water is preserved through proper maintenance and education.
GOAL: Protect and preserve the quality of the natural environment in Branson West and the region.
Objective 1: Ensure that development is not located in environmentally sensitive areas such as floodways, sinkholes, drainage ways, and areas of steep slope.
Action 1: Prohibit the filling in or other disturbance of natural drainage channels and sinkholes, or other features if the natural drainage system.
Development in these sensitive areas should be prohibited, or limited to low impact development designed so as to minimize potential negative impact on these natural drainage features.
Objective 2: Encourage a land development pattern that promotes sustainable development and efficient use of land resources.
Action 1: Through the subdivision review and approval process, encourage development design that efficiently uses land resources and protects sensitive environmental features.
Objective 3: Provide for protection from stormwater runoff and flooding.
Action 1: Require new development to submit a stormwater management plan as part of the land subdivision review and approval process.
Action 2: Development should be designed so as to use the natural drainage system for stormwater management.
As the city grows and more land area is covered with impervious surfaces, there will be an increasing need for effective stormwater management. Development should be encouraged to use natural drainage channels for stormwater flow in order to reduce the need for and costs of structural improvements (ditches, retention ponds, etc.).
Action 3: Incorporate requirements in land development regulations that will minimize soil erosion and sedimentation of area surface waters during the development process.
Objective 4: Encourage and support community programs and efforts to reduce and prevent pollution in Branson West and the region.
Action 1: Encourage citywide recycling by locating temporary recycling centers at strategic locations throughout the city and support citywide clean ups.
Action 2: Continue to cooperate with and support the efforts of those working to preserve the quality of water in southwest Missouri.
The Transportation Plan section of the Branson West Comprehensive Plan evaluates the conditions of the existing transportation system, identifies future needs, discusses planned and proposed improvements to the system, and outlines strategies to achieve a balanced transportation system that will meet the needs of the present population and accommodate future growth.
The rapid growth in Branson West and surrounding area, along with the tourist traffic, is straining the current transportation system. It is essential that the transportation system provide accessibility to residential and commercial areas, while providing minimal conflict between vehicular traffic and pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Figure 6.1 shows the existing street system in Branson West and the surrounding area. Currently, State Highways 76 and 13 serve Branson West. As the only through roads in Branson West, both serve as major arterials in the city. Highway 76 is currently a three-lane roadway east of Highway 13. Highway 13 is a two-lane facility within the city limits, with the exception of a short three-lane section around the intersection with Highway 76.
Currently, there are two traffic signals within the city limits of Branson West. One signal operates at the intersection of Highways 76 and 13. The other signal operates at the entrance to Wal-Mart just north of the intersection at Highways 13 and 76.
Rapid growth in Branson West and the region has increased traffic flow and congestion levels on roads such as Highways 13 and 76. During the tourist season, visitors to Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City and other recreation facilities in the area aggravate traffic conditions in Branson West. Congestion, especially at the intersection of Highways 13 and 76, is a severe problem throughout the day, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours.
Average annual daily traffic (AADT) volumes for Highways 13 and 76 in Branson West and the surrounding area are listed in Table 6.1.
For local street systems, intersection capacity analysis is a dominant factor in assessing the impact of any traffic increases. If the intersections have enough capacity to accommodate the increased traffic volume during the peak hours, then the whole system will usually be able to handle the traffic impacts associated with development.
The critical intersection in Branson West is the intersection at Highways 13 and 76. An intersection’s capacity is determined using the procedures and methodology outlined in the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual, Special Report 209, produced by the Transportation Research Board. Capacity analysis indicates how well an intersection is operating, and uses a grading system called level-of-service that defines the quality of traffic operations on a street system. Level-of-service (LOS) indicates the expected delay for an average vehicle on each approach to an intersection and for the intersection’s overall delay. The LOSs are broken down into six categories. LOS A and B indicate little delay and generally free flowing traffic. LOS C and D indicate moderate, but acceptable delays.
The 1995 Intermodal Transportation Study for Stone County, Taney County and the City of Branson, prepared by Burns and McDonnell, utilized a transportation simulation model to project traffic conditions for the year 2020. Utilizing a future resident base of 70,000 people in the two counties, and a visitor rate of 10,000,000 per year, the model projected volumes of up to 28,740 on State Highway 13 near Wal-Mart and 23,864 just south of the current city limits on Highway 13.
Due to the lack of alternate roads for Highways 76 and 13, no capacity limits were placed on these roads when the future volumes were developed. The projected volumes near Wal-Mart of 28,740, for instance, would be sufficient to justify a six-lane configuration. With the relocation of Highway 13 west of the city, however, this traffic volume would be split between through traffic using the new route and city traffic using the old route. Six lanes on existing Highway 13 will probably not be necessary.
The Major Street Plan, Figure 6.2, shows transportation system improvements that are currently underway as well as improvements proposed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the City of Branson West.
A major project currently underway by MoDOT is the relocation of Highway 13/248 between Reeds Spring and Branson West (a highway number has not yet been assigned for the new road, so it is referred to in this document as Highway 13/248). When complete, the new roadway will connect U.S. Highway 160 just north of the Reeds Spring junction with State Highway 13 just north of the Sears store in Branson West. This project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2002.
MoDOT also plans several additional highway improvement projects in the near future. Construction on the following projects is planned to start in 2003, with completion expected in 2005:
As shown on Figure 6.2, the Highway 13/248 relocation project currently under construction, combined with the planned relocation of Highway 13 through Branson West, will provide drivers with expressway service from Branson West to Springfield on the north. The new Highway 13 will serve as a model of access management. Expressway status will be ensured by using raised concrete median in the center of the roadway and by limiting driveway entries.
Several additional road improvements are also proposed by the City of Branson West. As shown on Figure 6.2, these improvements include the construction of new arterial, collector and local roads to improve connectivity between developed areas of the city and to provide access to future growth areas. It should be noted that Figure 6.2 shows only general locations of roadways proposed as the community continues to grow and develop. The exact location and design of these roads would be determined at a later date. Proposed future improvements include:
Another proposed facility that will have a significant impact on the transportation system in Branson West and the surrounding area is a new general aviation airport located just west of the current city limits of Branson West. The primary market area for the airport includes portions of Stone and Taney Counties. As shown on Figure 6.2, the site is bordered by Ance Creek Road (County Road 13-270) to the north, Branson West approximately one mile to the east, and Reeds Spring approximately 4 miles to the northeast. The proposed initial airport development would consist of a terminal building of approximately 5,000 square feet, twenty
T-hangers, and related vehicular pa
