They want to see land developed, but they don't want to see sprawl. And they don't want that development to consume valuable natural areas or productive farmland.
Wednesday, the commissioners are expected to announce at their weekly meeting three new funding programs totaling $4.5 million this year for urban development and the preservation of natural areas and farmland.
"Our goal is to reinvest not only in our developed environment but also in our natural environment, which includes natural lands, and public recreation areas that make both our rural and urban communities more attractive and livable," Commissioner Molly Henderson said.
The commissioners plan to announce the following programs:
·The Urban Enhancement Fund would provide $2.5 million for projects such as the reuse of former factory and warehouse buildings in urban areas around the county.
Applications for grants from this fund would need to be submitted by August. A review committee impaneled by the county planning commission would determine by October which projects should receive funding.
The county would provide a third of the funding for qualifying projects, with grant recipients providing the remaining two-thirds.
·The Natural Lands Preservation Fund would provide $1 million in matching funds to Lancaster County Conservancy to preserve primarily undeveloped woodlands.
The conservancy would have to match the county's contribution.
Ralph Goodno, executive director of the nonprofit Conservancy, said his organization "will have no problem" raising the $1 million needed to match the county grant.
He said the Conservancy likely would use the combined $2 million to acquire lands in the Furnace Hills, Welsh Mountain, Octoraro Creek valley and River Hills areas.
"Obviously, we're thrilled the county is going to invest in natural lands," Goodno said.
·The Farmland Preservation Fund would provide $1 million to Lancaster Farmland Trust to preserve farmland that would not otherwise be preserved by the county's Agricultural Preserve Board.
The Trust would have to match the county's contribution.
Plain Sect farmers in the county who don't want to deal with government entities often turn to the Trust to preserve their farms.
Another $8 million would be given to the ag preserve board for its preservation program.
"These new funding programs will help sustain Lancastrians' vision of a balanced community where urban centers prosper, natural landscapes flourish and farming is strengthened," James Cowhey, executive director of the county planning commission, said. "These are integral components of our diverse economy and cultural heritage."
The total $12.5 million in funding is half the $25 million bond issue the commissioners expect to approve within a month.
The other half will be spent in 2007 on the same programs.
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