GROWTH READINESS
Printable Information Sheet:
"Economic Prosperity & Natural
Resources - Inseparably linked in the mountains!" (pdf)
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The Challenge
The north Georgia
and western NC mountain regions are blessed with natural resources
and scenic vistas that have been attracting growth and development
on an unprecedented scale in recent years. As a result, many
communities are facing significant pressures on land, air and water
in their regions. Communities of the upper Hiwassee River basin are
among them.
Our communities
are now faced with the challenge of maintaining economic growth,
clean water and natural beauty all at the same time. While growth is
good for these local economies, particularly in traditionally
isolated and impoverished areas, we are in danger of losing the
natural beauty and quality of life that is so important to them.
Economically-viable, yet environmentally-friendly development
practices can help maintain water quality, decrease the costs of
infrastructure and construction, and preserve quality of life.
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Sunset over the Valley River mountains taken by
Keith Wood. |
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NE Georgia Growth
Readiness Workshops
In 2006 the
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Southeast Watershed
Forum (SEWF) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) conducted a series
of Georgia Growth Readiness workshops for community leaders and
decision-makers in northeast Georgia. The project area included
Fannin, Union, Towns and Rabun (FUTR) counties and municipalities.
The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition assisted DCA, SEWF, and TVA
with various aspects of planning associated with the workshops.
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NE
Georgia Growth Readiness workshop participants from
Union and Towns counties pause for a photograph
during small group discussion |
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During
three day-long work sessions and smaller “committee”
meetings in between, 70 participants considered principles
outlined in Better Site Design: A Handbook for Changing
Development Rules in Your Community, prepared by the
Center for Watershed Protection in 1998. The principles
were tailored to meet the unique challenges we face here in
the southern Appalachian region. The resulting
recommendations developed by the participants are intended
as guidance for communities and are not mandated by DCA or
any other agency, unless noted. However, many of them are
appropriate for inclusion in stormwater management programs
or other programs required by state law.
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Northeast Georgia Growth Readiness Report (2007)
(pdf)
Also known as "FUTR Better Site Design Principles"
HRWC continues to
work diligently with local governments to incorporate the
recommendations into existing ordinances and policies, as well as to
develop new programs for protecting water quality in the upper
Hiwassee River basin.
For more information
about the Southeast Watershed Forum, click the following link to be
redirected:
http://www.southeastwaterforum.org/
SW North Carolina Mountain
Landscapes Initiative
The Mountain Landscapes Initiative
is a long-range project by The Community Foundation of Western North
Carolina to help citizens and communities in the 18 counties it
serves plan for growth. The Foundation has partnered with the
Southwestern Commission, the non-profit Council of Governments
organization in NC’s seven westernmost counties, to produce a “Tool
Box” of best practices for planning and development in the mountain
region.
The MLI “Tool Box” pilot is a
three-stage project: a six-month-long outreach program in the seven
western counties and the Qualla Boundary; a weeklong public workshop
called a “charette” at Western Carolina University; and a follow-up
“Tool Box” publication and implementation phase after the charette.
Community Forums leading into the
charette will take place throughout April 2008. The charette will
be held May 13-20 at Western Carolina University. The “Tool Box”
will be available in the summer of 2008.
For
complete background information, detailed schedules, and links to
resources, go to:
http://www.mountainlandscapesnc.org
