THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 29, 1994 TAG: 9406290396
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: VIRGINIA
SOURCE: BY KAREN JOLLY DAVIS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940629 LENGTH: EASTVILLE
Apparently, federal officials support the plan as well. The county is slated to collect $579,680 more in federal money - on top of a $700,000 federal grant being spent - to implement key portions of the plan.
{REST} Northampton's supervisors delayed acting on the new strategy two weeks ago. But by Tuesday, after both a draft proposal and a resolution of support had been polished by county staff, the board voiced few objections.
``We're relentless. We're committed to making this happen,'' Tim Hayes, director of the county's Office of Sustainable Development, said earlier in the day, before the board voted.
The strategy was written during the past few months by dozens of local volunteers. It lists more than 70 recommendations to promote economic growth in ecologically sound ways that protect woodland areas, the groundwater supply, bird habitats, county creeks and other resources. Among the suggestions: develop a Heritage Trail, with the historical Eastville Inn as its hub.
The new half-million-dollar grant, made available through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, will pay for development of the trail plus renovation of the Eastville Inn and a steam-powered sawmill in Nassawadox. The money also will be used to develop an African-American Heritage Trail.
Northampton's efforts in sustainable development already are drawing attention. On Monday, visitors from Jamaica and Grenada came to Eastville to talk about the county's strategy.
Tim Hayes said the visitors were brought to Northampton by the State Department as part of a four-week tour of the country.
``We're concentrating on local efforts,'' Hayes said. ``But if (our efforts) serve as a model for others, great.'' by CNB