AG 2002 08 19 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Per Capita Income Ranking in North Carolina out of 100 counties (2000) County Income Ranki~ Cabarrus $28,961 10 Gaston $25,006 26 Lincoln $20,899 70 Mecklenburg $37,737 1 Rowan $23,327 40 Stanly $23,090 43 Union $24,356 33 Persons Living Below Poverty Level (1997 data) Cabarrus 8.0% Gaston 12.0% Lincoln 10.6% Mecklenburg 9.7% Rowan 11.8% Stanly 10.8% Union 8.9% Urban Areas The largest city in the areaand also in the state of North Carolina is Charlotte, which has a population of 579,684. Other towns in the area with Population of over 10,000 include Concord, Lincolnton, Gastonia, Salisbury, Albemarle, and Monroe. The growth of the area is directly impacted by the fact that Interstate 85 passes through each county in the area except Lincoln, Stanly and Union counties. As of 2002 the estimated population of the area is 1.5 million persons, making it one of the most developed regions in the state. Because of the number of people residing in the area and the amount of development, tremendous demands are placed on the area's natural resources. Description of Problems The sponsors for the South Central Piedmont Resource Conservation and Development Area have been gathering data since the early 1970's when they filed a formal application with USDA for approval as an RC&D area. Since the original application was submitted, there have been many major changes in the area. Much of the change that has occurred is due to rapid urbanization. The problems in application have been identified through numerous public meetings held by the sponsors who are the county commissioner and soil and water conservation districts in each of the counties in the South Central Area. Each of the sponsors conducted at least twelve public meeting each year to identify and act on problems in their respective areas. In the past there have been many projects completed that deal with water quality management, environmental education, recreation developments, and community facility improvements. The South Central Piedmont Resource Conservation and Development Area has identified three broad categories of problems that the council would like to address. While there are other problems in the area, the council feels that the ones identified below are the problems that they can best undertake. These major problem areas include Natural Resource Development and Protection, Community Services and Facilities, and Economic Development. Below is a detailed listing of the specific problem areas. --II