SouthChic
05-16-2006, 03:12 PM
Our region faces huge challenges (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060516/OPINION03/605160301/1014/OPINION&template=printart)
HA Article published May 16, 2006
The numbers are daunting.
According to a preliminary study conducted by Claritas, a private demographics firm, there are about 30,000 new residents in the Pine Belt since Hurricane Katrina.
City and county governments throughout our region are struggling to accommodate the newcomers.
And virtually everyone - from city and county officials to real estate developers, business owners and entrepreneurs - is asking the same question: How many of the new residents, many of whom relocated from the Gulf Coast, will remain in the area for the long term?
Business owners and entrepreneurs have the luxury of deciding whether the influx of newcomers represents a long-term economic opportunity - and whether to invest their capital to take advantage of the burgeoning growth in our area.
Local governments don't have that option.
They must invest in infrastructure - roads, sewer and drainage, law enforcement and emergency services.
The challenge for city and county governments is staying ahead of the growth curve - and finding revenue sources to fund the expansion of public services.
The Claritas study quantifies the enormity of the challenge for local elected officials.
There are about 7,400 new residents in Lamar County, 6,900 in Jones County, 6,300 in Pearl River County and 4,500 in Forrest County.
Taking steps to provide adequate public services for all residents has become the predominate challenge for elected officials.
City and county governments must place a premium on planning. They must assess current needs and existing infrastructure - and develop a feasible strategy to adequately address future growth.
Whether the thousands of new residents stay in the Pine Belt for two years or 20, the reality is, they're here now.
And each and every community needs to ensure that vital public services keep pace with the population.
And I think everyone will agree we are definitely feeling their presence with the increased traffic flow, longer waiting at restaurants, real estate going like crazy, etc. :smt119
HA Article published May 16, 2006
The numbers are daunting.
According to a preliminary study conducted by Claritas, a private demographics firm, there are about 30,000 new residents in the Pine Belt since Hurricane Katrina.
City and county governments throughout our region are struggling to accommodate the newcomers.
And virtually everyone - from city and county officials to real estate developers, business owners and entrepreneurs - is asking the same question: How many of the new residents, many of whom relocated from the Gulf Coast, will remain in the area for the long term?
Business owners and entrepreneurs have the luxury of deciding whether the influx of newcomers represents a long-term economic opportunity - and whether to invest their capital to take advantage of the burgeoning growth in our area.
Local governments don't have that option.
They must invest in infrastructure - roads, sewer and drainage, law enforcement and emergency services.
The challenge for city and county governments is staying ahead of the growth curve - and finding revenue sources to fund the expansion of public services.
The Claritas study quantifies the enormity of the challenge for local elected officials.
There are about 7,400 new residents in Lamar County, 6,900 in Jones County, 6,300 in Pearl River County and 4,500 in Forrest County.
Taking steps to provide adequate public services for all residents has become the predominate challenge for elected officials.
City and county governments must place a premium on planning. They must assess current needs and existing infrastructure - and develop a feasible strategy to adequately address future growth.
Whether the thousands of new residents stay in the Pine Belt for two years or 20, the reality is, they're here now.
And each and every community needs to ensure that vital public services keep pace with the population.
And I think everyone will agree we are definitely feeling their presence with the increased traffic flow, longer waiting at restaurants, real estate going like crazy, etc. :smt119