THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 15, 1994 TAG: 9406150469
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN JOLLY DAVIS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940615 LENGTH: EASTVILLE
The action strategy sets concrete goals for improving Northampton's economy by protecting, and capitalizing on, the county's natural resources. It was written by a task force that the board appointed, with the support of a $700,000 federal grant that the board requested and received.
{REST} But the impetus stalled Monday night when Northampton's supervisors were asked to pass a resolution calling it the county's program for economic development.
``Let me suggest that this is not the only program we need to develop,'' said Supervisor Arthur Carter. He said the plan was ``heavily slanted'' toward the agriculture, seafood and crafts industries, with little emphasis on bringing new types of businesses to Northampton.
Carter and other supervisors wanted the resolution rewritten so that their support would not ``commit the board to any future action'' in regard to funding or local ordinances.
Supervisor Jack White questioned the restrictions Northampton might face if any local creeks were designated ``Exceptional Waters'' by the state. No new discharges that require a permit, or expansions of already permitted discharges, are allowed by law into a body of water that has been designated as ``exceptional.''
The $700,000 federal grant - much of which has been spent - requires that the board support the nomination of some Exceptional Waters. The federal government cannot guarantee that the state will approve the nomination, however.
Local volunteers are putting together nomination packets for Cherrystone Creek, Plantation Creek and the entire seaside of Northampton south of Oyster.
Private citizens can ask the state to designate creeks or rivers Exceptional Waters without the backing of their local government. In other Virginia localities, this has caused controversy.
At Monday's meeting, resident Hank Jones said he had grave doubts about any plan to nominate Exceptional Waters.
``That would eliminate any development whatsoever,'' he said. Colin Cowling, a local insurance agent, also spoke against the action strategy.
``If you want business in this county, you don't need all this,'' Cowling said. ``Cut taxes and get off the back of the businesses you have.''
They were the only citizens who spoke against the plan. The rest of the courthouse was packed with people who helped to write the action strategy.
``This is the first time you've seen all these diverse, shall I call them `warring' factions, in Northampton County trying to get together to do something,'' Christine Tankard said. Tankard was head of the Sustainable Development Task Force on Agriculture.
Grayson Rogers was more direct. He described nature tourism, one of the plan's proposed sustainable industries, as a plum ready to pick. And he urged the board to take action on the proposed strategies.
``It's either fish or cut bait,'' Rogers said.
{KEYWORDS} BUSINESS ECONOMY ECOLOGY
by CNB