Infrastructure

Issue

We are an island community that has faced significant growth over the past two decades and anticipates similar growth trends in the future. As we plan for our future, due consideration of advancing new technologies will achieve desired results in transportation, communication systems, sources and transmission of utilities, and waste disposal and recycling.

The county-sponsored Community Development Plans (CDP’s) should provide a clear view of how the island community can recover from infrastructure deficits along with a phased plan for meeting future needs.

Position

Shift government mindset from regulatory agency to infrastructure developers. Infrastructure forecasts along with funding plans and implementation timelines are needed to meet present demand.

Desired outcomes from CDPs:
1) Create an ongoing community dialogue to address infrastructure requirements.
2) Envision the community within the context of Smart Growth Principles.
3) Integrate contextual, aesthetic design that offers a sense of place.
4) Plan future communities with human appeal – open space, walk ability.
5) Incorporate sustainable conservation with preservation and new growth.
6) Address funding requirements with an understanding of the community’s expanded wherewithal in its tax base along with creative funding from federal, state and private sources.