Wilkinson County, Georgia

A. INTRODUCTION

A local government's comprehensive plan is its most valuable tool when making decisions affecting the future growth and development of a particular jurisdiction. Wilkinson County and its municipalities have created with this comprehensive plan a foundation on which to construct the county's future. The work program outlined here is intended to serve as a guide to the activities which may be undertaken to implement the goals and objectives established previously in the plan.

In some cases, official action by the board of commissioners or an individual city council may be necessary to authorize or implement certain of the listed activities. Governmental regulations such as zoning, subdivision, and development ordinances affect the land uses within a community and should be guided by the comprehensive plans for this reason. Other actions of local government, such as the investment it makes in infrastructure, or community and economic development programs, or the cooperation between adjacent governments, can also affect the development patterns of a community in less obvious ways but are equally important to local governments as they make decisions which will influence the future of their citizenry.

B. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND LAND USE CONTROLS

An area's suitability for development, access to transportation facilities and services, location of infrastructure, location of natural and historic resources, and current land uses all determine its suitability as a growth area. It is in the best interest of the local officials to promote current land use patterns rather than restructuring them. If current land uses are incompatible with a plan or are undesirable by the community's goals and objectives, then it is the local government's duty to restrict or change these uses.

Regulatory methods such as zoning regulations are the most efficient way a local government can determine the pace of growth and change in its jurisdiction. Zoning ensures compatibility between a planned future land use pattern and the course present development is taking. A land use plan should be implemented through the use of a zoning ordinance written in accordance with existing and future land use determinations in the comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan is intended to guide the conservation and development of land in the county over a 20-year period while a zoning ordinance is designed to control land development for the present. Because of the immediacy of the zoning ordinance, it should be re-evaluated periodically to ensure its continued compatibility with the comprehensive plan.

Not only can zoning be used to control the type and location of development but it can be used to control the character of the development through the inclusion of regulations concerning development densities, setbacks, building heights, and other more design-oriented characteristics. Subdivision regulations are primarily used to control new or expanding residential development and contain minimum requirements to be fulfilled when subdividing a parcel of undeveloped land into lots, blocks, streets, and public areas. These subdivision regulations are often included in with a zoning ordinance in a comprehensive land development ordinance.

Currently, only the city of Gordon has zoning regulations although Ivey is considering the creation and implementation of a zoning ordinance to manage the growth it is experiencing. This plan supports the idea that the governments of Wilkinson County need to establish common zoning regulations, implemented either individually or as one ordinance. A common planning and zoning board would oversee the implementation of this ordinance should the governments elect to adopt a common ordinance.

A less restrictive type of zoning is the Performance Zoning. Under this type of zoning, conventional districts are eliminated in favor of a few generalized development zones within which development is regulated in terms of its impact on the land and the need to preserve specific resources. Performance standards which provide minimum requirements for open space, density, impervious surface coverage, lot area, and the likes are contained in the zoning ordinance.

Other types of development regulations include building and housing codes which help a local government provide safe and sanitary housing for its citizens. When combined with a zoning ordinance, these codes improve a deteriorating area by requiring minimum standards for construction which are enforceable. It is recommended that, to make the process most efficient and effective, the Wilkinson County governments should not only have one zoning ordinance but one housing and building code based on state and national standards.

C. NON-REGULATORY MEASURES

1. Capital Improvement Programs

The goals and objectives and work programs established in a comprehensive plan identify the need for capital improvements and expenditures by local governments. As good stewards of the public's monies, officials must make decisions for capital improvements in accordance with established policies which helps direct and manage growth and development. Communities can help direct future growth by adopting a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) which is a timetable of future community facilities improvements, budgeted in accordance with the community's fiscal capability.

In order to assess future needs and provide the necessary facilities as outlined in and coordinated with local land use policies, local governments should review and update their CIP on a regular basis. This can and should be an effective management tool if prepared on a long-range basis and updated annually in conjunction with the government's annual budget process.

2. Impact Fees

The ability of a local government to enact impact fees for new or expanded development was enacted by statute of the Georgia General Assembly in 1990. These fees are defined in the law as

...a payment of money imposed upon development as a condition of development approved to pay for a proportionate share of the cost of system improvements needed to serve new growth and development.

In layman's terms, an impact fee is calculated in accordance with a schedule and usually assessed on a per unit basis. It is a one-time charge that requires new development to pay a proportionate share of the expenses necessary for the construction or expansion of capital facilities to serve new development. While Georgia law expressly forbids the use of impact fees for the operation, maintenance, repair, alteration or replacement of existing capital facilities used to meet existing service demand, it allows for the imposition of impact fees to pay for "system improvements" such as capital improvements designed to provide service to the community at large.

Wilkinson County nor its incorporated governments currently charge fees for community facilities system improvements. The expected rate of growth does not suggest that governments will experience capacity problems which would necessitate major system improvements, hence there is no urgent need to implement an impact fee program. However, the communities should monitor the level of developments to ensure an unforeseen facility service problem does not develop.

3. Community and Economic Development Activities

Implementation of any comprehensive plan is expedited by a variety of community and economic development efforts undertaken by local governments. These efforts may take the more direct route of industrial park development, or coordinated industrial recruitment efforts and activities, or such less direct efforts as the targeting of improvements to the leadership base or to the educational system or the provision of better vocational education opportunities within the region. Improvements to the quality of life in the county will translate into improvements in other sectors-- a better educated work force earns more money which affords the citizens better living conditions and higher spendable incomes which translates into higher property and sales taxes which enables local government to raise more capital to fund infrastructure improvements which improve opportunities for development, and so the cycle continues.

4. Intergovernmental Coordination

Decisions made by the county and the incorporated governments of the county are often influenced by and subject to decisions made on the regional, state and national level as well as by neighboring governments within the county. Close cooperation between inter-county governments is essential to the successful implementation of the comprehensive plan, whether it is in the creation of a land control ordinance or the construction of public facilities as a capital expenditure or the appointment of a commission to oversee the protection of natural and historic resources in the county. It is equally important that the governments maintain contact with state and federal agencies and opportunities to fully realize the opportunities for growth and development presented by these higher levels of government. The governments of the county must maintain close communication and cooperation if the county is to successfully implement the blueprint for its future presented in this comprehensive plan.

The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 established three steps in the planning process which must be taken to produce a viable comprehensive plan. The second step in the process is that of clarifying the vision which the participants see as their future. By clearly stating what the communities want to become, the process of developing an agenda by which to do so becomes much simpler.

The goals, objectives and policies contained in this section were developed following the evaluation of the information discussed in the six planning elements which comprise the Inventory and Analysis section of the plan. These goals, objectives and policies are intended to reflect a consensus among local elected officials and private citizens involved in the planning process as to their concerns about the future of Wilkinson County and its six incorporated governments. They are provided to illustrate the issues which are most likely to affect the county in the next twenty years as it moves into the 21st century.

A. HOUSING (WILKINSON COUNTY)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for all segments of the county population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental homes and apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care and nutritional services for the senior citizens, both in a congregate setting and delivered to homes as necessary.

Objective 2: Take steps to provide affordable housing in the county.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation, as well as provision of new housing.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the county, as well as on housing assistance programs. This center will provide information on state and federal programs, housing financing opportunities available from lending institutions, and other information as necessary and available.

Policy 3: Initiate the development of affordable housing in the unincorporated areas with the help of housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Take steps to conduct a housing survey.

Policy 1: Conduct a joint housing survey with cities of the county to inventory the existing housing stock within the county.

A. HOUSING (ALLENTOWN)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for various demographic segments of the city and population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the growing elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care, and nutritional services for the senior citizens.

Objective 2: Plan for housing needs in the city of Allentown.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation as well as provision of new housing. This task force will be represented by city residents, school board members, city council members, members of community action agencies, and other interested people. The task force will monitor the availability of quality housing for city residents and coordinate housing rehabilitation efforts.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the community as well as on housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Deal with the problem of substandard units in the city.

Policy 1: Conduct a housing survey to inventory the existing housing stock within the city and to identify units to be rehabilitated.

Policy 2: Conduct educational programs to train the people to maintain and repair their dwellings.

Policy 3: Carry out rehabilitation of the housing units identified as substandard from the survey and also those already identified by city residents as needing rehabilitation with the help of available funds.

A. HOUSING (GORDON)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for various demographic segments of the city and population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the growing elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care, and nutritional services for the senior citizens.

Objective 2: Plan for housing needs in the city of Gordon.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation as well as provision of new housing. This task force will be represented by city residents, school board members, city council members, community action agencies, and other interested people. The task force will monitor the availability of quality housing for residents and coordinate rehabilitation efforts.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the community as well as on housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Deal with the problem of substandard units in the city.

Policy 1: Conduct a housing survey to inventory the existing housing stock within the city and to identify units to be rehabilitated.

Policy 2: Conduct educational programs to train the people to maintain and repair their dwellings.

Policy 3: Carry out rehabilitation of the housing units identified as substandard from the survey and also those already identified by city residents as needing rehabilitation with the help of available funds.

A. HOUSING (IRWINTON)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for various demographic segments of the city and population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the growing elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care, and nutritional services for the senior citizens.

Objective 2: Plan for housing needs in the city of Irwinton.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation as well as provision of new housing. This task force will be city residents, school board members, city council members, community action agencies, and other interested people. The task force will monitor the availability of quality housing for city residents and coordinate rehabilitation efforts.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the community as well as on housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Deal with the problem of substandard units in the city.

Policy 1: Conduct a housing survey to inventory the existing housing stock within the city and to identify units to be rehabilitated.

Policy 2: Conduct educational programs to train the people to maintain and repair their dwellings.

Policy 3: Carry out rehabilitation of the housing units identified as substandard from the survey and also those already identified by city residents as needing rehabilitation with the help of available funds.

A. HOUSING (IVEY)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for various demographic segments of the city and population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the growing elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care, and nutritional services for the senior citizens.

Objective 2: Plan for housing needs in the city of Ivey.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation as well as provision of new housing. This task force will be city residents, school board members, city council members, community action agencies, and other interested people. The task force will monitor the availability of quality housing for residents and coordinate rehabilitation efforts.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the community as well as on housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Deal with the problem of substandard units in the city.

Policy 1: Conduct a housing survey to inventory the existing housing stock within the city and to identify units to be rehabilitated.

Policy 2: Conduct educational programs on maintenance and repair of dwellings.

Policy 3: Carry out rehabilitation of the housing units identified as substandard from the survey and also those already identified by city residents as needing rehabilitation with the help of available funds.

A. HOUSING (McINTYRE)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for various demographic segments of the city and population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the growing elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care, and nutritional services for the senior citizens.

Objective 2: Plan for housing needs in the city of McIntyre.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation as well as provision of new housing. This task force will be represented by city residents, school board members, city council members, members of community action agencies, and other interested people. The task force will monitor the availability of quality housing for city residents and coordinate housing rehabilitation efforts.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the community as well as on housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Deal with the problem of substandard units in the city.

Policy 1: Conduct a housing survey to inventory the existing housing stock within the city and to identify units to be rehabilitated.

Policy 2: Conduct educational programs to train the people to maintain and repair their dwellings.

Policy 3: Carry out rehabilitation of the housing units identified as substandard from the survey and also those already identified by city residents as needing rehabilitation with the help of available funds.

A. HOUSING (TOOMSBORO)

Goal 1: Provide better housing opportunities for various demographic segments of the city and population.

Objective 1: Take measures to meet housing needs of the growing elderly population and also provide them with supportive services.

Policy 1: Assist elderly homeowners in carrying out repairs and in remodeling their homes.

Policy 2: Provide assistance in renovation of rental apartments inhabited by elderly households.

Policy 3: Provide affordable new units to elderly households if the existing units are beyond repair.

Policy 4: Plan for provision of additional housing units for the growing population of elderly persons in the future, taking into consideration factors such as the location of supportive services and the possibility of shared opportunities for the elderly, while locating new housing.

Policy 5: Ensure availability of support services such as transportation, health care, and nutritional services for the senior citizens.

Objective 2: Plan for housing needs in the city of Toomsboro.

Policy 1: Establish a task force on affordable housing to look into matters related to housing rehabilitation as well as provision of new housing. This task force will be represented by city residents, school board members, city council members, members of community action agencies, and other interested people. The task force will monitor the availability of quality housing for city residents and coordinate housing rehabilitation efforts.

Policy 2: Create a center for providing information on affordable housing within the community as well as on housing assistance programs.

Objective 3: Deal with the problem of substandard units in the city.

Policy 1: Conduct a housing survey to inventory the existing housing stock within the city and to identify units to be rehabilitated.

Policy 2: Conduct educational programs to train the people to maintain and repair their dwellings.

Policy 3: Carry out rehabilitation of the housing units identified as substandard from the survey and also those already identified by city residents as needing rehabilitation with the help of available funds.

B. LAND USE (WILKINSON COUNTY)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the county in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suitable for such development.

Policy 1: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities throughout the county.

Policy 2: Confine relatively high density development into adjacent incorporated areas.

Objective 2: To ensure protection of agricultural and forested lands and maintain the rural character of the county while making provisions for growth.

Policy 1: Form a committee to look into future land use issues in the county.

Policy 2: Consider the use of land use controls for the preservation of agricultural and forested land in the non-growth area.

Policy 3: Conduct a LESA survey to evaluate and classify soils based on their potential for agriculture/forestry.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to conventional residential development patterns and take measures to ensure the visual quality of the countryside.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes constructed.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Prepare additional standards for mobile homes, with minimum requirements such as being fixed to a permanent foundation, in order to ensure their safety and visual attractiveness in the future.

Policy 3: Explore the possibility of assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than as personal property, so that their property value would appreciate over time.

B. LAND USE (ALLENTOWN)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the city in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suited for such development.

Policy 1: Insure that future land use changes occur in a manner compatible with existing uses.

Policy 2: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities through the city.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to traditional residential development patterns and take measures to enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes constructed.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Consider assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than personal property, so that their property value would appreciate over time.

Objective 2: Provide services to city residents to improve their quality of life.

Policy 1: Remove abandoned automobiles and other junk from neighborhoods in order to ensure their visual attractiveness and safety.

Policy 2: Work with Wilkinson County to provide public transportation especially for the elderly and physically challenged persons.

B. LAND USE (GORDON)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the city in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suited for such development.

Policy 1: Insure that future land use changes occur in a manner compatible with existing uses.

Policy 2: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities through the city.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to traditional residential development patterns and take measures to enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes constructed.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Consider assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than personal property, so that their property value would appreciate over time.

Objective 2: Provide services to city residents to improve their quality of life.

Policy 1: Remove abandoned automobiles and other junk from neighborhoods in order to ensure their visual attractiveness and safety.

Policy 2: Work with Wilkinson County to provide public transportation especially for the elderly and physically challenged persons.

B. LAND USE (IRWINTON)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the city in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suited for such development.

Policy 1: Insure that future land use changes occur in a manner compatible with existing uses.

Policy 2: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities through the city.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to traditional residential development patterns and take measures to enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes constructed.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Consider assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than personal property, so property value would appreciate over time.

Objective 2: Provide services to city residents to improve their quality of life.

Policy 1: Remove abandoned automobiles and other junk from neighborhoods in order to ensure their visual attractiveness and safety.

Policy 2: Work with Wilkinson County to provide public transportation especially for the elderly and physically challenged persons.

B. LAND USE (IVEY)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the city in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suited for such development.

Policy 1: Insure that future land use changes occur in a manner compatible with existing uses.

Policy 2: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities through the city.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to traditional residential development patterns and take measures to enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Consider assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than personal property, so that their property value would appreciate over time.

Objective 2: Provide services to city residents to improve their quality of life.

Policy 1: Remove abandoned automobiles and other junk from neighborhoods in order to ensure their visual attractiveness and safety.

Policy 2: Work with Wilkinson County to provide public transportation especially for the elderly and physically challenged persons.

B. LAND USE (MCINTYRE)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the city in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suited for such development.

Policy 1: Insure that future land use changes occur in a manner compatible with existing uses.

Policy 2: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities through the city.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to traditional residential development patterns and take measures to enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes constructed.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Consider assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than personal property, so that their property value would appreciate over time.

Objective 2: Provide services to city residents to improve their quality of life.

Policy 1: Remove abandoned automobiles and other junk from neighborhoods in order to ensure their visual attractiveness and safety.

Policy 2: Work with Wilkinson County to provide public transportation especially for the elderly and physically challenged persons.

B. LAND USE (TOOMSBORO)

Goal 1: Ensure that the physical development of the city in the future occurs in a planned and controlled manner.

Objective 1: To guide growth in areas suited for such development.

Policy 1: Insure that future land use changes occur in a manner compatible with existing uses.

Policy 2: Prepare a capital improvements program to provide community facilities through the city.

Goal 2: Explore alternatives to traditional residential development patterns and take measures to enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Objective 1: Take advantage of inexpensive housing opportunities provided by manufactured housing while ensuring the quality of mobile homes constructed.

Policy 1: Identify existing mobile homes in poor condition and improve their condition by using property improvement loans insured by HUD.

Policy 2: Consider assessing mobile homes as real property, rather than personal property, so that their property value would appreciate over time.

Objective 2: Provide services to city residents to improve their quality of life.

Policy 1: Remove abandoned automobiles and other junk from neighborhoods in order to ensure their visual attractiveness and safety.

Policy 2: Work with Wilkinson County to provide public transportation especially for the elderly and physically challenged persons.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (WILKINSON COUNTY)

Goal 1: To protect the water resources of the county for all domestic, commercial and industrial needs.

Objective 1: To continue to have sufficient water throughout the county.

Policy 1: Encourage efficient water usage in mining operations and agricultural practices.

Policy 2: Encourage installation of water-saving fixtures and devices in new construction.

Policy 3: Consider the development of a long-term (20 year+) water management plan, possibly on a regional basis.

Goal 2: Protect the quality of groundwater in the county.

Objective 1: To maintain high quality water for the people of Wilkinson County.

Policy 1: Develop criteria protecting groundwater recharge areas of county based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Monitor use of possible pollutants in mining and agricultural practices.

Goal 3: To protect the Oconee River from insensitive or harmful development.

Policy 1: Maintain minimum setbacks for development; follow regulations of River Corridor Protection Act.

Policy 2: Monitor and control new development for lot size and setbacks.

Policy 3: Adopt and enforce local Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Plan to control requirements for all construction activity.

Goal 4: Protect indigenous plant and animal life.

Policy 1: Adopt county-wide tree ordinance for developed areas and new developments.

Policy 2: Identify and map endangered flora and fauna and control development in areas identified.

Policy 3: Adopt land use controls to protect endangered habitats.

Goal 5: Take adequate measures to ensure quality growth and development in the county.

Objective 1: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt a Comprehensive Land Development Ordinance to monitor and manage growth in the county.

Policy 2: Encourage kaolin and timber companies to practice responsible reclamation and retimbering of their lands.

Objective 2: Protect valuable lands of county.

Policy 1: Adopt and enforce a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Plan.

Policy 2: Identify most productive soils for agricultural purposes and promote their usage as such.

Policy 3: Prioritize and rank undeveloped lands for future development, residential, commercial and industrial based on suitability factors; consider development of a Land Environmental Suitability Assessment (LESA) or Forest Land Environmental Suitability Assessment (FLESA) .

Policy 4: Direct development away from poorly suited soils and toward areas better suited for septic systems.

Goal 6: Protect the county's wetlands areas.

Policy 1: Protect wetland sites and promote adherence to the Section 404 permit process of the Clean Water Act.

Policy 2: Adopt criteria based on the Criteria for Wetlands Protection established by Georgia Department of Natural Resources; identify wetlands from National Wetlands Inventory maps; use DCA Model Local Wetlands Ordinance.

Policy 3: Implement appropriate controls through local land use management process.

Policy 4: Train law enforcement personnel on location and identification of wetlands and requirements of both local ordinances and Section 404 permitting.

Policy 5: Encourage agricultural, forestry, and mining practices which prevent impact to wetlands and prevent run-off from entering areas; review effectiveness of and compliance with "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) of these activities.

Goal 7: Protect natural areas.

Objective 1: Promote and protect natural areas along the Oconee River corridor as well as along major creeks in the county.

Policy 1: Educate public about regulations included in the River Corridor Protection Plan

Policy 2: Develop greenways plan for recreation, education and conservation purposes along river.

Policy 3: Identify and map sensitive areas throughout the county and establish corridors connecting these areas.

Policy 4: Designate and protect the scenic views; possibly provide for as part of county-wide greenbelt.

Policy 5: Publicize and promote establishment of public-use corridors (greenways) through voluntary donations of conservation easements.

Goal 8: Encourage the wise use and management of economically important minerals.

Policy 1: Pass resolution encouraging compliance with rules and regulations of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, especially those concerning reclamation.

Policy 2: Monitor compliance with the Georgia Surface Mining Act of 1968.

Policy 3: Monitor erosion and sedimentation control practices as set forth in the Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act.

Goal 9: Encourage Best Management Practices in forestry and timbering practices.

Policy 1: Adopt erosion and sedimentation ordinance based on Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act.

Policy 2: Encourage thinning rather than clear-cutting to prevent erosion.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (ALLENTOWN)

Goal 1: To protect the water resources of the county.

Objective 1: To continue to have quality sufficient water.

Policy 1: Encourage efficient use of water in agricultural usages.

Policy 2: Monitor use of chemicals and other pollutants used in agricultural practices to prevent harmful run-off into water supply.

Policy 3: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Goal 2: Take adequate measures to ensure quality growth and development.

Objective 1: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt zoning ordinance or participate with county in ordinance.

Policy 2: Adopt and implement an erosion and sedimentation ordinance based on Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

Policy 3: Encourage development dependent on soil suitability analysis.

Policy 4: Identify prime agricultural soils and protect for agricultural uses.

Goal 3: Protect small pockets of wetlands.

Policy 1: Adopt measures to protect wetlands, basing on Criteria for Wetlands Protection from Department of Natural Resources; use DCA Model Local Wetlands Ordinance.

Goal 4: Protect plant and animal species.

Policy 1: Adopt a tree ordinance.

Policy 2: Encourage maintenance of existing ground cover and vegetation to prevent erosion.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (GORDON)

Goal 1: Take adequate measures to ensure quality growth and development

Objective 1: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt and implement an erosion and sedimentation ordinance based on Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

Policy2: Encourage development depending on soil suitability analysis.

Policy 3: Control development along Commissioner Creek and Little Commissioner Creek in floodplains.

Goal 2: To protect the water resources.

Objective 1: To continue to have sufficient water.

Policy 1: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Encourage conservation of groundwater usage by developing incentives for use of water conserving fixtures and as a condition for new development.

Policy 3: Protect open space to provide for groundwater recharge.

Objective 2: Protect the quality of groundwater.

Policy 1: Work closely with kaolin industry to ensure proper pollution controls are in place and used; monitor use and levels of tailings ponds.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (IRWINTON)

Goal 1: Conserve and protect the amount and quality of groundwater resources.

Objective 1: Take steps to conserve groundwater.

Policy 1: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Encourage conservation of groundwater usage by developing incentives for use of water conserving fixtures and as a condition for new development.

Policy 3: Protect open space to provide for groundwater recharge.

Goal 2: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt a zoning ordinance.

Policy 2: Consider soil suitability factors when allowing new development.

Policy 3: Adopt and implement an erosion and sedimentation plan based on the Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

Policy 4: Encourage development away from steep slopes to prevent erosion.

Goal 3: Protect plant and animal species.

Policy 1: Adopt and enforce a tree ordinance.

Policy 2: Initiate measures to protect existing vegetation and maintain amount of ground cover to help prevent erosion along ridges.

Goal 4: Protect wetland.

Policy 1: Monitor and limit development along Bear Camp and Town branches.

Policy 2: Adopt ordinance to protect wetlands, based on Criteria for Wetlands Protection from Department of Natural Resources; use DCA Model Local Wetlands Ordinance.

Policy 3: Implement appropriate controls through local land use management process.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (IVEY)

Goal 1: Protect the lake from pollution and overdevelopment.

Policy 1: Adopt and implement an erosion and sedimentation ordinance based on Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

Policy 2: Use soil suitability ratings to determine future residential and commercial development using septic systems.

Policy 3: Begin capital improvements program which includes a sewerage system due to the poor suitability of the soil for septic systems and development.

Policy 4: Monitor and discourage development in the floodplain and along Commissioner Creek at the city limit.

Goal 2: Conserve and protect the amount and quality of groundwater resources.

Objective 1: Take steps to conserve groundwater.

Policy 1: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Encourage conservation of groundwater usage by developing incentives for use of water conserving fixtures and as a condition for new development.

Policy 3: Protect open space to provide for groundwater recharge.

Goal 3: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt a zoning ordinance.

Policy 2: Develop criteria for the consideration of soil suitability factors when allowing new development.

Policy 3: Adopt and implement an erosion and sedimentation ordinance based on Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

Goal 4: Protect wetlands.

Policy 1: Provide information about wetlands to residents, especially those who live on the lake, using wetlands mapping from the National Wetlands Inventory and the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Adopt measures to protect those wetlands north of the lake along Commissioner Creek, based on Criteria for Wetlands Protection from Department of Natural Resources; use DCA Model Local Wetlands Ordinance.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (MCINTYRE)

Goal 1: Conserve and protect the amount and quality of groundwater resources.

Objective 1: Take steps to conserve groundwater.

Policy 1: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Encourage conservation of groundwater usage by developing incentives for use of water conserving fixtures and as a condition for new development.

Policy 3: Protect open space to provide for groundwater recharge.

Goal 2: Adopt policies to protect wetlands and floodplains.

Objective 1: Protect wetlands areas and promote adherence to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

Policy 1: Monitor and limit development along Commissioner Creek.

Policy 2: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Wetlands Protection from Department of Natural Resources; use DCA Model Local Wetlands Ordinance.

Objective 2: Protect floodplains from high density development.

Policy 1: Maintain minimum lot size for development within flood plains of Commissioner Creek and feeder creeks in town.

Goal 3: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt a zoning ordinance.

Policy 2: Consider soil suitability factors when allowing new development.

Policy 3: Adopt and implement an erosion and sedimentation ordinance based on Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

Policy 4: Encourage development away from steep slopes to prevent erosion.

Goal 4: Protect plant and animal species.

Policy 1: Adopt and enforce a tree ordinance.

Policy 2: Initiate measures to protect existing vegetation and maintain amount of ground cover to help prevent erosion along ridges.

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (TOOMSBORO)

Goal 1: Conserve and protect the amount and quality of groundwater resources.

Objective 1: Take steps to conserve groundwater.

Policy 1: Adopt ordinance based on Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas from the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy 2: Encourage conservation of groundwater usage by developing incentives for use of water conserving fixtures and as a condition for new development.

Policy 3: Protect open space to provide for groundwater recharge.

Policy 4: Monitor use of chemicals and other pollutants in agricultural practices to prevent run-off into water supply.

Goal 2: Ensure quality growth and development in Toomsboro.

Objective 1: Promote sound land use practices.

Policy 1: Adopt zoning ordinance or participate with county in any land development or zoning ordinance they may adopt.

Policy 2: Encourage development depending on soil suitability analysis.

Policy 3: Protect floodplain along Commissioner Creek from development.

Policy 4: Adopt and enforce a tree ordinance.

Goal 3: Protect wetlands.

Policy 1: Adopt measures to protect those wetlands along Commissioner Creek using Criteria for Wetlands Protection from Department of Natural Resources; use DCA Model Local Wetlands Ordinance.

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF WILKINSON COUNTY

Goal 1: Recognize historic significance of structures, sites, objects, districts throughout Wilkinson County.

Objective 1: Protect the historic resources of the county.

Policy 1: Conduct a comprehensive survey of historic resources in the county following procedure established by Historic Preservation Division.

Policy 2: Nominate individual properties and districts to the National Register of Historic Places.

Policy 3: Discourage the demolition of historic resources by timber and kaolin companies.

Objective 2: Provide guidance on protection of historic resources.

Policy 1: Adopt a county-wide preservation ordinance using model from Georgia Historic Preservation Act.

Policy 2: Appoint a commission to oversee implementation of the ordinance.

Policy 3: Properly rehabilitate and maintain county-owned historic resources.

Goal 2: Promote the county's historic resources.

Policy 1: Establish a county-wide historical society.

Policy 2: Develop a driving tour of significant historic places and structures in the county.

Policy 3: Work with the representative of the Georgia Department of Industry Trade and Tourism to market the county to travelers.

Policy 4: Sponsor educational events to inform the citizens about their resources.

Policy 5: Begin heritage education series in newspaper and in schools.

Policy 6: Hold workshops to inform public about grants, tax credits and other advantages to preservation of historic resources.

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF ALLENTOWN

Goal 1: Recognize significance of Allentown's historic resources.

Objective 1: Protect Allentown's older buildings, sites, objects and potential historic districts.

Policy 1: Conduct comprehensive historic resource survey of Allentown based on survey procedures established by Historic Preservation Division, either in conjunction with county survey or separately.

Policy 2: Nominate eligible historic district to the National Register of Historic Places.

Policy 3: Adopt a preservation ordinance or participate in county-wide ordinance following procedure established in Georgia Historic Preservation Act.

Policy 4: Appoint preservation commission.

Goal 2: Promote Allentown's heritage.

Policy 1: Work with county and other municipalities to organize driving tour of historic places and structures.

Policy 2: Join in working with Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism to market the historic resources to travelers, especially those wanting to get off I-16.

Goal 3: Encourage the maintenance and rehabilitation of historic properties in Allentown.

Policy 1: Sponsor workshops on most efficient techniques for maintaining older properties.

Policy 2: Hold workshops on the financial incentives available for rehabilitation

Policy 3: Rehabilitate any city owned historic properties according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF GORDON

Goal 1: Recognize historic significance of Gordon's older buildings, sites, objects and potential historic districts.

Objective 1: Protect the historic resources.

Policy 1: Conduct comprehensive survey of commercial, institutional, residential and industrial resources in Gordon.

Policy 2: Delineate historic districts and nominate to the National Register of Historic Places.

Policy 3: Nominate eligible individual properties to the National Register.

Objective 2: Provide guidance on protection of historic resources.

Policy 1: Encourage property owners to maintain older structures by example of rehabilitation of depot.

Policy 2: Provide incentives for proper maintenance of these older structures, such as "House of the Month" or similar program.

Policy 3: Adopt a preservation ordinance or participate in county-wide ordinance following procedure established in Georgia Historic Preservation Act.

Policy 4: Appoint preservation commission to oversee implementation of the ordinance.

Goal 2: Promote Gordon's historic resources.

Policy 1: Provide public information and education on Gordon's heritage and historic resources.

Policy 2: Work with county and other municipalities to organize driving tour of historic places and structures.

Policy 3: Join in working with Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism to market the historic resources to travelers.

Goal 3: Encourage the maintenance and rehabilitation of historic properties in the city.

Policy 1: Sponsor workshops on most efficient techniques for maintaining older properties.

Policy 2: Hold workshops on the financial incentives available for rehabilitation.

Policy 3: Rehabilitate city owned historic properties according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF IRWINTON

Goal 1: Recognize historic significance of Irwinton's older buildings, sites, objects and potential historic districts.

Objective 1: Protect the historic resources in Irwinton.

.

Policy 1: Conduct a comprehensive survey of historic resources in the county following procedure established by Historic Preservation Division.

Policy 2: Delineate commercial and residential historic districts in Irwinton and nominate to the National Register of Historic Places.

Policy3: Nominate eligible individual properties to the National Register.

Policy 4: Open well and provide protection measures.

Objective 2: Provide guidance on protection of historic resources.

Policy 1: Provide incentives for proper maintenance of these older structures, such as "House of the Month" or similar program.

Policy 2: Encourage clean up of areas around vacant older structures.

Policy 3: Encourage property owners to maintain older structures.

Policy 4: Adopt a preservation ordinance or participate in county-wide ordinance following procedure established in Georgia Historic Preservation Act.

Policy 5: Appoint a commission to oversee implementation of the ordinance.

Goal 2: Promote the historic resources of Irwinton.

Policy 1: Provide public information and education on the history of Irwinton and the county.

Policy 2: Work with county and other municipalities to organize driving tour of historic places and structures.

Policy 3: Join county in working with GA ITT to market the historic resources to travelers.

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF IVEY

No significant historic resources were identified in Ivey.

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF McINTYRE

No significant historic resources were identified in McIntyre.

HISTORIC RESOURCES OF TOOMSBORO

Goal 1: Recognize historic significance of Toomsboro older buildings, sites, objects and potential historic districts.

Objective 1: Protect Toomsboro's many significant historic resources.

Policy 1: Conduct comprehensive survey of historic resources, either in conjunction with county or independently.

Policy 2: Delineate potential historic district encompassing much of the town and nominate to the National Register of Historic Places.

Policy 3: Adopt a preservation ordinance or participate in county-wide ordinance following procedure established in Georgia Historic Preservation Act.

Policy 4: Appoint preservation commission to oversee preservation ordinance implementation.

Goal 2: Promote historic resources.

Policy 1: Work with county and other municipalities to organize driving tour of historic places and structures.

Policy 2: Join in working with Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism to market the historic resources to travelers.

Policy 3: Market the historic town along with Swampland.

Goal 3: Properly maintain and rehabilitate Toomsboro's historic properties.

Objective 1: Provide guidance on protection of historic resources.

Policy 1: Sponsor workshops on most efficient techniques for maintaining older properties.

Policy 2: Hold workshops on the financial incentives available for rehabilitation.

Policy 3: Rehabilitate city owned historic properties according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

Policy 4: Undertake city-sponsored rehabilitation of depot and hotel at railroad tracks.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (WILKINSON COUNTY)

Goal 1: Develop at least one publicly-owned industrial park.

Objective 1: Provide infrastructure to industrial park.

Policy 1: Consider the creation of a county-wide industrial authority or a joint authority with adjacent counties.

Policy 2: Consider optioning land adjacent to Gordon so that public utilities can be provided.

Goal 2: Recruit industry for location within the county.

Objective 1: Determine the industrial niches of the region that could be filled by industries located in Wilkinson County.

Policy 1: Consider the creation of a county-wide industrial authority or a joint authority with adjacent counties.

Goal 3: Retain and expand existing businesses in Wilkinson County.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider creation of a chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 4: Develop a promotional campaign for Wilkinson County.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on Wilkinson County.

Policy 1: Work closely with Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the county's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 5: Cultivate new businesses from within Wilkinson County.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 6: Promote and increase agriculture and forestry production.

Objective 1: Encourage new and expanded agricultural endeavors.

Objective 2: Recruit industries which would benefit from the forestry production of Wilkinson County.

Goal 7: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ALLENTOWN)

Goal 1: Retain new and expand existing businesses in the Ccty of Allentown.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider joining with county in creation of chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 2: Develop a promotional campaign for the city of Allentown.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on Allentown.

Policy 1: Work closely with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the city's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 3: Cultivate new businesses from within the city.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 4: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GORDON)

Goal 1: Retain new and expand existing businesses in the city of Gordon.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider joining with county in creation of chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 2: Develop a promotional campaign for the city of Gordon.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on Gordon.

Policy 1: Work closely with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the city's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 3: Cultivate new businesses from within the city.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 4: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (IRWINTON)

Goal 1: Retain new and expand existing businesses in the city of Irwinton.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider joining with county in creation of chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 2: Develop a promotional campaign for the city of Irwinton.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on Irwinton.

Policy 1: Work closely with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the city's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 3: Cultivate new businesses from within the city.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 4: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (IVEY)

Goal 1: Retain new and expand existing businesses in the city of Ivey.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider joining with county in creation of chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 2: Develop a promotional campaign for the city of Ivey.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on Ivey.

Policy 1: Work closely with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the city's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 3: Cultivate new businesses from within the city.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 4: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (McINTYRE)

Goal 1: Retain new and expand existing businesses in the city of McIntyre.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider joining with county in creation of chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 2: Develop a promotional campaign for the city of McIntyre.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on McIntyre.

Policy 1: Work closely with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the city's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 3: Cultivate new businesses from within the city.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 4: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (TOOMSBORO)

Goal 1: Retain new and expand existing businesses in the city of Toomsboro.

Objective 1: Create a program of close communications between the community and business.

Policy 1: Consider joining with county in creation of chamber of commerce.

Policy 2: Monitor the economic health of each business to prevent business decline and closure.

Policy 3: Seek opportunities to expand businesses.

Goal 2: Develop a promotional campaign for the city of Toomsboro.

Objective 1: Publish and distribute brochure on Toomsboro.

Policy 1: Work closely with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.

Objective 2: Submit promotional articles to southern and travel magazines.

Objective 3: Plan and implement a specific promotional campaign to highlight the city's incredible historic fabric.

Goal 3: Cultivate new businesses from within the city.

Objective 1: Citizens create their own jobs by developing "in-home" occupations.

Objective 2: Plan and implement a long-term campaign to encourage and nurture self-employment.

Objective 3: Sponsor workshops for home occupations, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Goal 4: Obtain all available funding to assist in economic development.

Objective 1: Obtain copies of the Catalog of Federal Assistance and the Guide to State Assistance. In addition, routinely query the Middle Georgia RDC for funding sources.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (WILKINSON COUNTY)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for Wilkinson County.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop list of equipment owned by Wilkinson County costing more than $10,000 originally.

Goal 2: Provide rural public transportation to residents of Wilkinson County.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (ALLENTOWN)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for the city of Allentown.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop a list of all city-owned equipment costing more than $10,000 originally.

Goal 2: Regular urban expansion.

Objective 1: Guide growth as it occurs.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Policy 2: Discourage development in areas not adequately served by community facilities.

Goal 3: Provide rural public transportation to residents of the city of Allentown.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (GORDON)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for the city of Gordon.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop a list of city-owned equipment costing more than $10,000 originally.

Objective 4: Extend water and sewer lines into areas in compliance with development plan.

Goal 2: Encourage regular urban expansion.

Objective 1: Guide growth as it occurs.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Policy 2: Discourage development in areas not adequately served by community facilities.

Goal 3: Provide rural public transportation to residents of the city of Gordon.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (IRWINTON)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for the city of Irwinton.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop a list of all city-owned equipment costing more than $10,000 originally.

Goal 2: Encourage and guide urban expansion.

Objective 1: Guide growth as it occurs.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Policy 2: Discourage development in areas not adequately served by community facilities.

Goal 3: Provide rural public transportation to residents of the city of Irwinton.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (IVEY)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for the city of Ivey.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop a list of all city-owned equipment costing more than $10,000 originally.

Goal 2: Encourage urban expansion.

Objective 1: Guide growth as it occurs.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Policy 2: Discourage development in areas not adequately served by community facilities.

Policy 3: Consider construction of sewerage treatment facility; coordinate treatment with Gordon

Goal 3: Provide rural public transportation to residents of the city of Ivey.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (MCINTYRE)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for the city of McIntyre.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop a list of all city-owned equipment costing more than $10,000 originally.

Goal 2: Encourage regular urban expansion.

Objective 1: Guide growth as it occurs.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Policy 2: Discourage development in areas not adequately served by community facilities.

Goal 3: Provide rural public transportation to residents of the city of McIntyre.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (TOOMSBORO)

Goal 1: Create a capital improvements program for the city of Toomsboro.

Objective 1: Identify and anticipate needs for construction, improvement or expansion of community facilities.

Objective 2: Implement a funding mechanism to pay for capital improvements as they are needed.

Objective 3: Fund the systematic replacement of equipment costing more than $10,000.

Policy 1: Develop a list of all city-owned equipment costing more than $10,000 originally.

Goal 2: Encourage growth.

Objective 1: Guide growth as it occurs.

Policy 1: Use improvements to community facilities to direct growth.

Policy 2: Discourage development in areas not adequately served by community facilities.

Goal 3: Provide rural public transportation to residents of the city of Toomsboro.

Objective 1: Monitor application to the Department of Transportation for Section 18 Rural Public Transportation System.

Objective 2: Major employers provide transportation for employees.

Policy 1: Encourage major employers to participate in van pooling.

The third step in the planning process as established in the Georgia Planning Act of 1989 is the development of an implementation strategy to enable local governments to implement their comprehensive plan. An integral part of this strategy is the short term work program which creates for its users a five-year time frame in which to achieve the plan's goals and objectives. In the work program, the entities responsible for each task and estimated costs associated with each task have been given wherever possible.

As various items of the plan are implemented, it should be recognized that there are potential limitations to what can be accomplished. Consequently, it must be remembered that this plan is a list of recommended actions rather than a mandate by which each government must operate. The work program must be reviewed and revised within the next five years in accordance with the Minimum Standards and Procedures to ensure that the ever changing needs and opportunities are fully resolved.

A. HOUSING (WILKINSON COUNTY, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to deal with housing and support services for elderly

Organize task force on affordable housing to monitor provision of such

1997

Conduct housing survey assessing condition and need for low-income and elderly housing

Create prioritized list of elderly requiring housing assistance; estimate future need based on population projections and housing survey

Create data base on availability and location of affordable housing; locate in senior center

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for low-income and elderly

1998

Initiate development of affordable housing

Conduct programs and workshops on house maintenance and repair

Assist elderly and low-income with repairs and weatherization

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

Housing Committee

Encourage alternative affordable housing for low-income and elderly in dilapidated housing

2000

Use libraries in Gordon and Irwinton, courthouse, senior center and health department to provide information on housing opportunities

Form committee to develop new housing in vacant and older structures

A. HOUSING (ALLENTOWN, 1996-2000)

1996

Work with county to organize joint committee to deal with housing and support services for elderly

Work with county to organize task force on affordable housing to monitor provision of such

1997

Coordinate with county and other cities to:

- Conduct housing survey;

- Create prioritized list of elderly requiring housing assistance;

- Estimate future need based on population projections and housing survey;

- Create data base on availability and location of affordable housing

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for low-income and elderly

1998

Coordinate with county to initiate development of affordable housing

Assist elderly and low-income with repairs and weatherization

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

2000

Use City Hall and county health department to provide information on housing opportunities

A. HOUSING (GORDON, 1996-2000)

1996

Work with county to organize committee to deal with housing and support services for elderly

Work with county to organize task force on affordable housing to monitor provision of such

1997

Coordinate with county and other cities to:

- Conduct housing survey;

- Create prioritized list of elderly requiring housing assistance;

- Estimate future need based on population projections and housing survey;

- Create data base on availability and location of affordable housing

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for low-income and elderly

1998

Coordinate with county to initiate development of affordable housing

Assist elderly and low-income with repairs and weatherization

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

Extend water and sewer lines into areas in compliance with development plan

2000

Use City Hall and health department to provide information on housing opportunities

A. HOUSING (IRWINTON, 1996-2000)

1996

Work with county to organize joint committee to deal with housing and support services for elderly

Work with county to organize joint task force on affordable housing to monitor provisionof housing in Irwinton

1997

Coordinate with county and other cities to:

- Conduct housing survey;

- Create prioritized list of elderly requiring housing assistance;

- Estimate future need based on population projections and housing survey;

- Create data base on availability and location of affordable housing

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for low-income and elderly

1998

Coordinate with county to initiate development of affordable housing

Assist elderly and low-income with repairs and weatherization

Project

Estimated Cost/

Responsibility

Possible

Funding

Source(s)

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

2000

Use Courthouse, City Hall and county health department to provide information on housing opportunities

A. HOUSING (IVEY, 1996-2000)

1996

Work with county to organize county/cities committee to monitor housing needs and support services for elderly

Work with county to organize task force on affordable housing to monitor provision of such

1997

Create prioritized list of elderly requiring housing assistance; estimate future need based on population projections and housing survey

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for elderly citizens and retirees

RDC-AAA, City

1998

Assist elderly with repairs and weatherization

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

2000

Use City Hall to provide information on housing opportunities

A. HOUSING (McINTYRE, 1996-2000)

1996

Work with county to organize city-county committee to answer housing needs and support services for elderly

Work with county to organize task force on affordable housing to monitor provision housing

1997

Coordinate with county and other cities to:

- Conduct housing survey;

- Create prioritized list of those persons with special housing needs or needing assistance;

- Estimate future housing needs based on population projections and survey;

- Create data base on availability and location of affordable housing

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for low-income and elderly

1998

Coordinate with county to initiate development of affordable housing

Assist elderly and low-income with repairs and weatherization

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

2000

Use City Hall to provide information on housing opportunities

A. HOUSING (TOOMSBORO, 1996-2000)

1996

Work with county to organize joint committee to deal with housing and support services for elderly

Work with county to organize task force on affordable housing

1997

Coordinate with county and other cities to:

- Conduct housing survey;

- Create prioritized list of elderly requiring housing assistance;

- Estimate future need based on population projections and housing survey;

- Create data base on availability and location of affordable housing

Provide information on resources for obtaining housing, especially for low-income and elderly

1998

Coordinate with county to initiate development of affordable housing

Assist elderly and low-income with repairs and weatherization

Possible

1999

Assist elderly in obtaining shared housing opportunities

Assist citizens interested in rehabilitating historic structures for affordable housing

2000

Use City Hall to provide information on housing opportunities

B. LAND USE (WILKINSON COUNTY, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and growth issues

Evaluate need for permitting process

1997

Consider initiating permitting process

1998

Consider preparation of comprehensive land development ordinance to guide growth and development in order to minimize potential adverse impacts

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of policies and strategies on ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

B. LAND USE (ALLENTOWN, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and growth issues

1997

Consider joint committee with adjoining counties to survey land use concerns within the three counties

1998

Consider joining county in preparation of comprehensive land development ordinance to guide growth and development in order to minimize potential adverse impacts

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of policies and strategies of ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

B. LAND USE (GORDON, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and development issues

1997

Evaluate need for permitting process

1998

Review zoning ordinance to ensure consistency with county comprehensive land development ordinance and state statutes

City, County, MGRDC

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of changes and updates to ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

B. LAND USE (IRWINTON, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and growth issues

Evaluate need for permitting process or joining with county in process

1997

Consider initiating permitting process

1998

Consider joining with county in preparation of comprehensive land development ordinance to guide growth and development in order to minimize potential adverse impacts

City, County, MGRDC

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of policies and strategies on ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

B. LAND USE (IVEY, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and growth issues

Consider adoption of zoning ordinance

Evaluate need for permitting process in conjunction with county

1997

Consider initiating permitting process in conjunction with county

1998

Review zoning ordinance to ensure consistency with county land development ordinance and state law

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of policies and strategies on ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

B. LAND USE (McINTYRE, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and growth issues

Evaluate need for permitting process or joining with county in process

1997

Consider joining with county in initiating permitting process

1998

Consider joining with county in preparation of comprehensive land development ordinance to guide growth and development in order to minimize potential adverse impacts

City, County, MGRDC

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of policies and strategies on ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

B. LAND USE (TOOMSBORO, 1996-2000)

1996

Organize committee to research land use and growth issues

Evaluate need for permitting process or joining with county in process

1997

Consider joining with county in initiating permitting process

1998

Consider joining with county in preparation of comprehensive land development ordinance to guide growth and development in order to minimize potential adverse impacts

City, County, MGRDC

1999

Hold educational workshops to inform public of policies and strategies on ordinance

2000

Review and update short term work plan of comprehensive plan

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (WILKINSON COUNTY, 1996 - 2000)

1996

Adopt criteria for protecting groundwater

Adpot erosion and sedimentation plan

Monitor reclamation and retimbering activities by kaolin and forestry companies

Inform public about the River Corridor Protection Plan and the development regulations in place within the 100' buffer

1997

Begin local survey of wetlands areas to provide protection; train local officials to identify wetlands and enforce Section 404 and Criteria for Wetlands Protection

Adopt criteria for wetlands protection

Identify areas with development constraints and work toward protection

1998

Develop Land Development Ordinance

Determine minimum lot sizes, set-backs, etc. to protect resources and manage growth

Adopt county-wide tree ordinance

Monitor reclamation and retimbering activities by kaolin and forestry companies

1999

Begin planning for project to ensure adequate water

Explore water conservation measures county-wide

Monitor reclamation and retimbering activities by kaolin and forestry companies

2000

Hold public education meetings on wetlands and water resources in county

Monitor reclamation and retimbering activities by kaolin and forestry companies

Determine impact of development on plant and animal habitats

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (ALLENTOWN, 1996-2000)

1996

Adopt water conservation measures

Adopt sedimentation and erosion plan

1997

Adopt zoning ordinance either separately or with county

City, County

1998

Adopt tree ordinance

Adopt Criteria for Wetlands Protection separately or with county

Monitor adherence to environmental regulations

1999

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

Provide education and training on wetlands and applicable regulations

2000

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (GORDON, 1996-2000)

1996

Adopt water conservation measures

Adopt sedimentation and erosion plan

1997

Work with Englehard Kaolin to protect lake and tailings ponds areas from pollution

City, private

1998

Develop and adopt tree ordinance

Adopt Criteria for Wetlands Protection separately or with county

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

1999

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

Provide education and training on wetlands and applicable regulations

2000

Encourage water conservation

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (IRWINTON, 1996-2000)

1996

Develop and adopt water conservation measures

Adopt sedimentation and erosion plan

1997

Adopt zoning ordinance either separately or with county

City, County

1998

Develop and adopt tree ordinance

Adopt Criteria for Wetlands Protection separately or with county

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

1999

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

Provide education and training on wetlands and applicable regulations

2000

Encourage water conservation

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (IVEY, 1996-2000)

1996

Adopt and enforce a sedimentation and erosion plan

Begin investigating city sewer system

1997

Develop and adopt zoning ordinance either separately or with county

City, County

1998

Develop and adopt tree ordinance

Develop and adopt Criteria for Wetlands Protection separately or with county

1999

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

2000

Encourage water conservation

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (McINTYRE, 1996-2000)

1996

Adopt water conservation measures

Adopt sedimentation and erosion plan

1997

Adopt zoning ordinance separately or with county

City, County

1998

Develop and adopt tree ordinance

Adopt Criteria for Wetlands Protection

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

1999

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

Provide education and training on wetlands and applicable regulations

2000

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

City, DNR

C. NATURAL RESOURCES (TOOMSBORO, 1996-2000)

1996

Develop and adopt water conservation measures

Develop and adopt sedimentation and erosion plan

1997

Develop and adopt zoning ordinance either separately or with county

City, County

1998

Develop and adopt tree ordinance

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

1999

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

2000

Monitor adherence to applicable environmental regulations

City, DNR

D. HISTORIC RESOURCES (WILKINSON COUNTY, 1996 - 2000)

1996

Conduct comprehensive survey of county historic resources

1997

Organize county historical society

Begin nominating resources to the National Register; especially multiple resource nominations

Begin Heritage Tourism program

1998

Develop county-wide preservation ordinance; appoint preservation commission (HPC)

Continue nominations to the National Register of Historic Places

Adopt county-wide tree ordinance

1999

Promote county's historic resources with information-education program

Continue nominations to the National Register of Historic Places

Estimated Cost/

2000

Hold public education meetings on preservation ordinance and design guidelines

Continue nominations to the National Register of Historic Places

D. HISTORIC RESOURCES (ALLENTOWN, 1996-2000)

Possible

Funding

Source(s)

1996

Conduct comprehensive survey of city's historic resources either separately or with county survey

DNR/HPD

1997

Organize historical society or join with county

Private

Begin nominations to the National Register; nominate industrial resources

DNR/HPD, DCA

1998

Develop preservation ordinance, either separately or with county; appoint preservation commission (HPC)

Continue National Register

1999

Promote historic resources either separately or with county, encouraging side-trips from I-16 with billboards,

2000

Begin heritage education program in schools

Continue National Register nominations

D. HISTORIC RESOURCES (GORDON, 1996 - 2000)

Estimated Cost/

Responsibility

Possible

Funding

Source(s)

1996

Conduct survey of city's historic resources separately or with county

Consider rehab of depot for museum

1997

Organize historical society or join with county

Begin nominations to the National Register; nominate industrial resources

1998

Develop preservation ordinance, either separately or with county; appoint preservation commission (HPC)

Adopt tree and signage ordinances

Continue National Register

1999

Promote historic resources either separately or with county

2000

Continue National Register nominations

D. HISTORIC RESOURCES (IRWINTON, 1996-2000)

Estimated Cost/

Responsibility

Possible

Funding

Source(s)

1996

Conduct comprehensive survey of city's historic resources either separately or with county survey

Establish protection measures for well

1997

Organize historical society or join with county

Begin nominations to the National Register

1998

Develop preservation ordinance, either separately or with county; appoint preservation commission (HPC)

Adopt tree and signage ordinances

Continue National Register

1999

Promote historic resources either separately or with county

2000

Begin heritage education program in schools

Continue National Register nominations

D. HISTORIC RESOURCES (TOOMSBORO, 1996 - 2000)

Estimated Cost/

Responsibility

Possible

Funding

Source(s)

1996

Conduct comprehensive survey of city's historic resources either separately or with county survey

DNR/HPD

Begin raising money for rehabilitation of depot and hotel

1997

Organize historical society or join with county

Private

Begin nominations to the National Register; nominate railroad associated resources first

DNR/HPD, DCA

1998

Develop preservation ordinance, either separately or with county; appoint preservation commission (HPC)

Continue National Register

1999

Promote historic resources either separately or with county

2000

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (WILKINSON COUNTY, 1996-2000)

1996

Consider creation of a joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

Form existing business and industry support committee

Consider formation of public-private partnership for education

Study methods for increasing school funding

Board of Education

County

County

1997

Consider creation of Chamber of Commerce

Strengthen existing business and industry support committee

1998

Evaluate creation of publicly owned industrial park

Identify potential publicly owned industrial park sites

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

Promote county as pro-youth/ pro-education county as important quality of life issue

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure

Hold education fair

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ALLENTOWN, 1996-2000)

Estimated Cost

Responsibility

Possible

Funding

Source(s)

1996Consider participation in joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

1997

Consider creation of Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other cities and county

1998

Evaluate creation of publicly owned industrial park in conjunction with county and other cities

Identify potential publicly owned industrial park sites

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

Promote county as pro-youth/ pro-education county as important quality of life issue

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure with other governments

GA ITT, DCA

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GORDON, 1996-2000)

1996

Consider participation in joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

Research expansion of infrastructure to support industrial expansion

1997

Consider creation of Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other cities and county

1998

Evaluate creation of publicly owned industrial park in conjunction with county and other cities

Identify potential publicly owned industrial park sites

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure with other governments

GA ITT, DCA

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (IRWINTON, 1996-2000)

1996

Consider participation in joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

Develop infrastructure to support development

1997

Consider creation of Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other cities and county

1998

Evaluate creation of publicly owned industrial park in conjunction with county and other cities

Identify potential publicly owned industrial park sites

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure with other governments

GA ITT, DCA

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (IVEY, 1996-2000)

1996

Consider participation in joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

Develop infrastructure to support residential and commercial development

1997

Consider creation of Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other cities and county

1998

Evaluate creation of publicly owned industrial park in conjunction with county and other cities

Identify potential publicly owned industrial park sites

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure with other governments

GA ITT, DCA

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (McINTYRE, 1996-2000)

1996

Consider participation in joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

Expand infrastructure to encourage development

1997

Consider joining with other cities and county to organize Chamber of Commerce

1998

Evaluate creation of publicly owned industrial park in conjunction with county and other cities

Identify potential publicly owned industrial park sites

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure with other governments

GA ITT, DCA

E. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (TOOMSBORO, 1996-2000)

1996

Consider participation in joint development authority with cities and adjoining counties

1997

Consider creation of Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other cities and county

1998

Identify and evaluate tourism sites and potential for tourism program

1999

Establish tourism program

2000

Prepare and distribute tourism brochure with other governments

GA ITT, DCA

F. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (WILKINSON COUNTY, 1996-2000)

1996

Initiate study of need for school(s) expansion(s)

Board of Education

Initiate Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process