[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                                                                                  Task 92.3 April 1, 1994- June 30, 11994  FY  1993
                                                                                               APPENDIX 92.3











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                                         SuStain-able        Developmr, ent- Task             Force










                                                         The

                    Sustainable Development
                                    Action Strategy

                                                          for
                          Northampton County,
                                               Virginia

                        Adopted by the Northampton County Board of Supervisors - June 28,1994
                          Approved by the Sustainable Development Task Force - May 17, 1994

                                             JUNE 28, 1994

                                                                        
                                           



                                                                                  


                                                                   

                                                                 



                   A document of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's Coastal Resources
                Management Program pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration    Award
                                                  No. NA270Z0O312-01.


                This strategic plan is funded in part by- a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                Administration. The views expressed herein are those, of the authors and do hot necessarily
                                   reflect the views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies.



                  
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        sustain.
            to maintain; kee          in existence-      keep'
             going.
        2. to keep. supplied'with necessecities;             to
             provide for.

         develop,
         1. to bring to full potential.,
      2. to build;     cause to grow gradually-
       3. to become larger, fuller,. better.
 













           Capitalizing on and protecting
        'Northampton's w O-rld-class natural,
      cultural, historic and human'assets for
         the ongoing benefit of all. citizens.,






                                         Resolution of Adoption


                                         Summary



                                         Introduction



                                         Agriculture Industry,


                                         Seafood/Aquacultu're'
                                         Industry

                                         Heritage Tourism
                                         Industry

                                         Arts/Crafts/Local
                            7            Products Industry

                                         Re'search/Education'
                                         Industry


                                         New Industry'


                                         Foundation Documents





                        Resolution of Adoption*
                                      Northampton 'County
                   Sustainable Development Action Strategy


               WHEREAS, Northampton County suffers from serious   .po-@erty conditions which cause severe
               human suffering, which the community cannot in good conscience ignore, and which create
               the urgent need for development,with immediate an d lasting benefit for all of its people; and

               WHEREAS,    Northampton possesses valuable natural, cultural, historic. and human assets
               supporting development, as well as difficult challenges and threats which must be overcome
               to successfully facilitate and sustain development; and

               WHEREAS, valuable opportunities exist to build on the County's assets, overcome its
               challenges and protect against threats in order to. develop industry that will provide good jobs
               and income for the County's people and create a healthy economy now and for the future;
               and

               WHEREAS, on September 13, 1993     the Board of Supervisors appointed the Sustainable
               Development Task Force and charged it with the mission of "providing leadership for
               concerted action to capitalize on- and protect Northampton's world-class natural, cultural,
               historic and human assets for the ongoing benefit of all citizens"; and

               WHEREAS, in commencement of its mission, the Task Force has involved 'a broad cross
               section of Northampton County's diverse citizenry in creating a Sustainable Development
               Action Strategy, including a Community Development Works hop at Kiptopeke Elementary
               School on November 30, 1993; and

               WHEREAS, the Task Force has identified industries with realistic, significant, immediate and
               ongoing potential for development, including agriculture, seafood/aquaculture, heritage'
               tourism, research/education arWcrafts/ local products, and is prepared to pursue these and
               additionalnew industries which complement these; and

               WHEREAS, the Sustainable Development.. Action Strategy conforms to the policies, goals,
               and objectives of the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan and implements all or part of
               the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan, Beaches, Islands, Marshe s and Woodlands
               plan, Blueprint for Economic Growth, and Special Area Management Plan; and








               WHEREAS, the County has been awarded a substantial   grant from the National Oceanic and
               Atmospheric, Administration through the Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program to
               implement a Special-Area Management Plan with the interdependent goals of protecting-the
               County's coastal resources and facilitating sustainable economic development based on these
               resources.



               NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of, Supervisors        'of the County of
               Northampton hereby adopts the Northampton  County Sustainable Development Action
               Strategy as a coordinated County strategy to develop industry and to protect the assets on
               which industry depends.

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sustainable Development Action Strategy shall
               serve as an implementation mechanism for the County's Special Area. Management Plan.

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board charges the Sustainable Development Task
               Force to continue its mission by facilitating the actions called for by the Sustainable
               Development Action Strategy, bringing recommendations regarding specific actions to the
               Board as appropriate, and continuing to involve a complete cross section of Northampt6n'
               County's d;,,,-rse- citizenry as this work goes forward. Any specific action by way of
               ordinance, funding, or enforceable policies shall require further action by theBoard and
               nothing, in this resolutior s`a!" be deemed to commit the Board to any future action.


               Adopted this    28th    day of       June             ig 94.


                                          Eastville                          Virginia



               BY
                      Thomas H. Dixon, 111,
                      Chairman of,the Board of Supervisors












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                               Introduction

                                    Northampton, County
                           Sustainable Development Action Strategy



















                                             3-1
















































































                                                             3-2







              Mission
              On September 13, 1993, Northampton County embarked upon the Sustainable Development
              Initiative. On this date, the'Northampton County Board of Supervisors appointed a
              Sustainable Development Task Force representing the diverse citizenry of the County and
              charged it with the mission of providing leadership for:

              "concerted action to capitalize on and protect Northampton's world-class   'natural and
              cultural assets for the ongoing benift of all citizens".,

              This mission is concise, but holds a depth of meaning to the local community:

              Concerted action means coordinated, measurable tasks formulated, agreed to and carried out
              by the community and directed toward a common vision for the County's future.

              Capitalize means to facilitate private investment which leads to good jobs and income., and
              which supports quality education, recreation, churches, medical facilities, government
              services, and all of,the wide range offac tor,s vital.for thriving individuals, fa milies and,
              communities.


              Protect means effective, enforceable policies and action to maintain the viability and health of
              the resources essential to Northampton's economy and quality of life'.

              World-class means those thingï¿½ unique to Northairipton, County and which set this place and
              people apart.

              Natural assets means the things of Creation; those [email protected] directly by the hand, of God;
              the land, the water, and. the plants and animals which inhabit them.

              Cultural assets means  the things of people - past and present 7 history, community, ethnic
              diversity'.

              Ongoing benefit means for immediate, continuing, and lasting improvement of peoples lives
              and living conditions; to provide economic, educat ionial,"social, and spiritual value-for current
              and future generations.

              Benefit all-citizens means to -imp@rove the lives of everyone in the County, with a special
              emphasis on providing  the means to makea living for those  who are currently least in a
              position to help themselves.







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             The Sustainable Development Action Strategy was developed by the Task Force as       the first
             step in accomplishing, this mission. The Strategy:

             o provides -an organized framework for concerted action;
             o targets industries- with immediate and ongoing job and income potential for the County;
             o identifies the natural and cultural assets which are vital to the start-up and ongoing
             profitability of these industries;
             o identifies specific, actions to build these industries and protect these assets; and
             o provides for intensive involvement of the entire community throughout the development
             process.
             Imiediate Objectives
             To accomplish its mission, Northampton County must achieve three interdependent objectives:

             1. Sustainable Industries. Develop industries which capitalize on Northampton's assets while.
             supporting their protection and enhancement.

             2. Asset Protection. Protect and enhance the  assets on which Northampton's sustainable
             industries depend for their full development and ongoing success.

             3. Community Ownership. Actively involve the entire Northampton comr       nunity throughout
             the sustainable development effort.
             Strategy Scope
             The Sustainable Development Action Strategy is ashcirt range plan focusing on immediate
             action for the development of promising local industries and the protection of-co..iniunity
             assets vital to the success of these industries. As such, the Sustainable Development Action
             Strategy is short term andfocused in its scope. It deals with the development of basic
             industries (industries which bring new dollars into the cominunity) and has a two and one-half
             year duration in which to complete its mission (the duration of current grant which funds it).
             The Action Strategy is coordinated with the other County planning and development
             documents being impleffiented or developed at this time which are lon@ range and
             comprehensive in scope. These include the Comprehensive Plan, the Blueprintfor Economic
             Growth, and the bi-county strategic plan being formulated as part of the Enterprise
             Community process. These plans are implemented over a period of five to ten years or more
             and involve all areas of community life.

             This'strategy involves public actions to facilitate private investment that simultaneously
             further's the community's immediate development goals and the goals of private business
             while maintaining opportunities for the next generation'to successfully pursue its goals -
             individually and collectively. Sustainable development happens through [email protected]
             community is supported by community groups, churches, academic institutions, business      and.


                                                            3-4









               government. The Sustainable Development Action Strategy provides the framework. for'
               coordinated development decisions by government, business, nonprofit organizations,
               academic, institutions and community groups which have a vested interest in Northampton
               County and are committed to its success. It is up to the local community to set the climate"for
               private development. For develo.pment.to truly be sustainable, the local community
               collec tively-must set the parameters for development activities. The local commu.    .nity in ust
               take responsibility for its future and control'its destiny. Major private efforts involving
               sustainable development are',currently underway in Northampton County. The public actions
               of this Strategy will be critical to the success of these prIivate efforts. Likewise, the successful
               and immediate demonstration of the potential of sustainable development to prov       ide profitable,
               return on private investment will be critical to the successful achievement ofthe mission and
               objectives of this.strategy and will spur additional private investment in sustainable industrial.,
               activities.


               Foun,dAtion Documents
               'The Sustainable Development Action Strategy is based on four foundation documents created
               by the Northampton community in recent years: Beaches, Islands, Marshes and Woodlands,
               Northampton County Comprehensive Plan,        Blueprint for Economic Growth, and Special Area
               Management Plan. The Action Strategy is in conformance with the -spirit, letter and intent of
               each of these documents and specifically implements all or part of each of them. The.Strategy
               does not replace'or duplicate these documents. Rather, it provides a time table and citizen
               work force to accomplish specific objectives called for by-these documents. The Beaches,
               Islands, Marshes and, Woodlands, Northampton County Comprehensive Plan, Blueprint for
               Economic Growth, and S@ecial Area Management Plan are appended to the Action Strategy.

               Development Policy
               The'Sustainable Development Action Strategy serves as the complete economic development
               policy for     Cc,inty. the County contemp    lates no industrial development activity which is
               outside the scope of sustainable development as,constituted in this Strategy. To be successful,
               the uc;,,,ninLnity mu st be concerted in its efforts. Valuable development activities urgently
               needed by the community must not be threatened by any short-term exploitive activities
               which by nature or design cannot be sustained. The type, quantity/intensity, timing/duration,
               location, design/management, local responsibility/authority, ownership/beneficiaries of
               development activities to,be pursued shall be carefully' considered to ensure attainment of full
               development potential and ongoing sustainability.
               Commu'nity Profile.
               Northampton'County is located at the southern tip of the Delmarva peninsula and occupies
               the southern half of Virginia's Eastern Shore. A slender landmass suspended between the
               Atlantic and the Chesapeake, the County is bounded by 225 miles o       f shoreline enclosing
               some 134,000 acres, of prime cropland, saltmarsh and forest. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-,
               Tunnel, its sole physical connection with the Virginia mainland, is a' dramatic seventeen-mile
               span. Open landscapes -and a pastoral    atmosphere persist even in   1994     a small but,distinct


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              interruption in the East Coast's solid line of seashore development. Founded in 1620, the
              County was   one of the eight original shires of colonial Virginia. Today it is home to the
              oldest continuous court records in the United States, as well as a wealth of history, historic
              and archaeological sites, early buildings and artifacts.

              But despite its gifts, NorthamptoPhas severe problems.      It is the poorest county in the
              Commonwealth of Virginia, with a declining population and steep job losses resulting from
              reversals, in its dominant seafood and Agricultural industries. The Sustainable Development
              Initiative is a direct expression of the community's collective determination to insure a more
              prosperous and hopeful future for all its citizens.
              Development Urgency
              Northampton County is the most impoverished of the 136 counties in the Commonwealth of
              Virginia. According to the 1990 census, twenty-seven percent of the County's 13,000
              inhabitants live in poverty compared with 10.2 percent statewide. Much of the poverty is
              concentrated in the African American population, which is forty-seven percent of the total
              poliulation. Sixty-four percent of families with female heads of households and children
              under age 18 live below the poverty level. This number increases to seventy percent in
              households with children under five.


              Large numbers of the population are either unemployed,'underemployed, or working for
              minimum wage in part time jobs. According to the census, 30% of the residents earn less
              than $10,0.00 and half ofthose residents have annual incomes of less than $5,000.
              Unemployment in 1991 measured 9.4% compared to 5.8% statewide. Many of Northampton's
              residents have -only seasonal employment. More than 1500 jobs have been lost during the
              past five years due to seafood and vegetable processing plants closing, manual farm labor
              disappearing, -and seafood not replenishing to the degree that is necessary for substantial
              harvesting. In fact, total employment dropped six percent from the third quarter of 1988 to
              the third quarter of 1992. Total wages (in 1992 dollars) dropped eleven percent during the
              same 1988 to 1992 period.

              Twelve  percent of housing units lack indoor plumbing and eight percent lack complete
              kitchen facilities. At least nine percent of homes do not have acentral heating system and
              ten percent do not have indoor toilet facilities. Over thirty percent of the County's housing
              stock was built prior to 1940. As there are almost no affordable rental units that meet
              minimal standards of safety, families are forced to rent from slum landlords whose units are
              substandard and lack indoor plumbing. Many houses,have started to collapse due to age and
              neglect, so that an already insufficient housing stock is continually @hrinking. Many former
              dwellings stand empty and quickly deteriorate because absentee heirs cannot reach agreement
              as to the disposition of the property. Forty-two percent of the renter population pays thirty-
              five percent or more of its income for housing'. Due to the lack of housing,every available
              dwelling is full or overcrowded. It is not unusual to find two or three families sharing a three-
              or four-room house.


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               Perhaps the most revealing economic. composite of Northampton'County is the 20.5% of
               Northampton, County residents  over 25  who have less than a -ninth-grade education compared
               to 11.2% in the State. Further, only 10. 1% of Eastern Shore residents have obtained bachelor.
               degrees or higher compared with 24,.5% for the State. The low educational attainment of'the
               County's work force further lin-dts industria'I development. Northampton County continues' to
               see out migration (decreased population for the past three census) and a.rising level of
               unemployment.

               Compounding these obvious housing, employment, educational,* and income problems are the
               dire straits Northampton County faces as a municipal                  ere
                                                                      government wh ' it has been ranked as
               the second most fiscally stressed, locality out of 136 in the Commonwealth.
               Community Ownership
               The people of, Northampton County have collectively. created the Sustainable@ Development
               'Action Strategy. The County's people are resp onsible for carrying out its.objectives. The
               community - through its elected Board of Supervisors - has, entrusted the Sustainable
               Development Task Force    with providing the leadership for both the formulation and the
               implementation of the Strategy.

               Task Force.
               The mission of the Task Force is to, provide leadership to achieve the County's -goal of
               building a strong economy which capitalizeson and protects its world-class natural'and
               cultural assets for the. benefi t of all citizens. The focus of theJask Force is on building
               consensus for specific- actions to achieve this goal. It is working in partnership with groups
               from throughout the County and is working to actively involve the entire Northampton
               community in this effort.

               The Task Force involves the complete range of interests of Northampton's people, including
               econorruc interests, human interests, environmental interests, agriculture, seafood, tourism,
               business, finance, government, natural and cultural resources, housing, neighborhoods,
               communities, churches, education, arts, youth, towns and villages. The Task Force reflects the
               multi-cultural makeup of the County with members of Native-American, African-American
               and European-American heritage. The Task Force has made a special effort to, include low
               income and less advantaged groups of the, County's population. Mord than sixty community
               groups active in Northampton and more than sixty churches have been involved and will
               continue to be included as the work goes for-ward. Northampton's people. are involved through
               representation on the Task Force, community workshops, field trips, presentations and
               discussions at meetings of specific community organizations, and special events. Through this
               extensive involvement,  the Task Force has created  a plan of action which is owned by the
               people of Northampton    County. It is committed to ensuring that the results of this plan are
               also owned by the pe  op.le of Northampton County.




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              Community Workshop
              Creation of the Action Strategy began with the Sustainable Development Workshop held on
              November 30, 1993 at Kiptopeke Elementary School. The workshop was attended by more
              than 200 participants from throughout the County and representing a cross section of the
              County's population. The workshop was a community-wide event. All County residents were
              actively encouraged to attend and participate.'

              The workshop involved participants in determining strategies that the community wishes to
              pursue to achieve and sustain a healthy economy and, quality of life. The main goal of the-
              event was to begin to build consensus among the many diverse interests within Northampton
              County for, a program of action that will achieve a sustainable economic future. The workshop
              focused on: 1 1) development of industries with immediate and ongoing potential to provide
              good jobs, and revenue to benefit all of Northampton's people, and 2) protection of the
              community assets on which these industries rely-

              At the Workshop, participants    shared their visions for the ideal future of the County and
              actions to achieve that vision. They then worked in small groups to articulate specific assets
              liabilities, opportunities and threats that must b6-considered in achieving that vision. The
              groups completed their work by outlining actions aimed at developing a specific industry and
              protecting the assets on which that industry relies. These visions, assets, liabilities,
              opportunities,, threats, and action ideas generated at the workshop are the basis for the
              Sustainable Development Action Strategy. The Strategy will serve as the work program for the
              Task'Force over the next two years as it continues to carry out the community's development
              mission.
              Development Conditions
              To fully develop and sustain industry and an overall healthy economy, Northampton must
              consider current development conditions both internal and external to the County. These
              conditions include assets, challenges, opportunities and threats. Northampton's development.
              conditions were evaluated by the County's citizens at the Sustainable Development Workshop
              on November 30, 1993 and"were further analyzed by the six target industry task forces. A
              comprehensive array of the County's development' assets, challenges, opportunities and threats
              is included in the strategy sections for each of the County's targeted industries.

              Assets
              Assets are community strengths which     contribute to the development and ongoing succes@s of
              the local economy and the specific industries on wl@icli it is based. If an industry is to be
              'sustained, the viability of the assets upon which it relies must be sustained. Asset's serve as
              the community's, competitive advantages that set it apart from other localities. These are the
              qualities the community must capitalize on and take care of. The County's assets include its
              young people, its skilled artisans and experienced retirees, its vast coastal wilderness, barrier
              islands, wildlife refuges, productive farmland, marshes, and gl'obally-important concentration
              point for migratory birds. The County's cultural assets include its history, historic towns, rural.

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               landscape of farms and village s.

               Challenges
               Along with its strengths, the community must consider its weaknesse's or liabilities. These are
               challenges,which Must be overcome to,suc   .cessfully build and sustain industry, both new and
               existing, and a healthy economy. Liabilities will inhibit or erode development if not dealt with
               directly by the community. Northampton'  's liability challenges include substandard housing,
               low literacy rate, limited fresh water, low.educational attainment rate,, and very few
               permanent and long term employment opportunities.

               Opportunities
               Opportunities are potential activitiesand other factors that could be taken advantage of by the
               community to develop industry and build a healthy  'economy. Opportunities can be used to
               build on assets and overcome liabilities. Valuable development opportunities are available to
               Northampton County.

               Threats
               Threats are potential acti vities that could destroy the community's assets, increase its
               liabilitks and prevent it from achieving a healthy economy now or in the future. Threats must
               be carefully identified and diligently guarded against if a*community is to be successful in
               developing and sustaining its economy. Threats currently facing Northampton County include
               suburban sprawl/strip residential and commercial building, loss of unique identity, heavy
               shoreline residential development, fragmented community, and mismanagement of our
               resources.
               Development Potential
               -
               The community has targeted five existing industries with immediate and ongoing potential to
               provide.good jobs, incorne and revenue. These industries can be sustained indefinitely if
               developed and managed wisely. In addition, the community is actively seeking other
               promising sustainable industries.. These target industries include agriculture,
               seafood/aquaculture,'heritage tourism, arts/crafts/local products, research/education, value-
               added produce/seafood, and new industry. These industries have significant development
               potential.

               Agriculture
               Throughout'the county's  long history, agriculture --along with seafood - has been-the
               mainstay of the. local economy. Today, agriculture continues'as the largest component of
               Northampton County's economy by a large margin. With total industrial output exceeding $68
               million annually, this sector drives the rest of the local economy. According to a 1993
               analysis by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, agriculture supports more
               than 450 full time jobs in Northampton County and provides a net fiscal benefit (taxes minus
               cost of services) exceeding $400,000 annually .


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             A recent analysis by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University of the economic
             potential of agriculture in Northampton County indicated that the level of industrial output
             can be- maintained and that the number of agriculture jobs can be doubled while producing the
             current mix of crops and using alternative, low-input agricultural practices.

             The growing number of health-conscious American consumers and the growing demand for
             fresh produce, specialty produce and chemical-free "organic" produce present significant
             market opportunities for Northampton County. The County's proximity to Southeast
             Virginia's 1.1 million people and to major East Coast cities offers a large and continuous
             potential market for its agricultural products. The bottom line is that agriculture is big
             industry in Northampton County, can stay big and grow. Agriculture can be carried on with
             little negative environmental impact while maintaining profitability and doubling the number
             of local jobs which it supports.

             Seafoodand Aquaculture
             Throughout the County's history,, Watermen have harvested vast quantities of fin and st. _-@llfish
             from Northampton's bayside and seaside waters. For nearly'400 years, seafood, along with
             agriculture, has supported the local economy. In recent years, the Northamptc.'-. CO'UnLY
             seafood industry (excluding aquaculture) has generated approximately $6.8 million in income
             annually and supported 478 jobs.

             Since the late 1980's, aquaculture has come to play a very significant role in Northampton's
             economy. Northampton County's Cherrystone Aquafarms is one'of the largest clam
             producers, in North America with an annual harvest 'approaching 50 million clams and valued
             at over $7 million. There are other growing clam hatcheries in.the County as well as some-
             soft shell crabbing operations. Aquaculture currently. supports approximately 95 full'- and part-
             time jobs in Northampton County and its economic impact is estimated at $10.5 million.
             Currently, Northampton's aquaculture industry is built on a thriving hard clam market, but
             local producers in conjunction with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are developing
             the culture of scallops, oysters, soft clams and ribbed mussels, as well as finfish products.
             This will vastly expand and diversify Northampton County's seafood and aquaculture industry
             to meet world-wide demand.


             Demand for Northampton County's seafood products is increasing. Diminishing areas of
             clean, disease-free water and seafood world-wide coupled with Northampton County's and
             Virginia's reputationfor consistently clean, high quality seafood has resulted in a high level
             of market acceptance for Northampton County seafood.

             Heritage Tourism
             Heritage Tourism is defined as recreational travel activities which depend on the appreciation,
             interpretation and protection of the community's authentic natural, scenic, recreational,
             historical and cultural assets. The,heritage tourism industry in Northampton County is a
             significant component of Northampton*'s economy. People engaged in recreation,, travel, and

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              tourism in the county spent a total of $9.9 million onlodging, restaurants, retail groceries,
              fuel and.6il, and other goods and services in 1992. This initial spending generated
              $14,297,200 in direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts and supported 454 jobs.

              -There were an estimated 70,300 'recreation party-trips in Northampton County in 1992  for
              fishing, boating, sightseeing, observing wildlife, visiting historic sites and other travel-
              activities. These parties spent an average of $203 in'Northampton County.

              Fishing and boating on the Bay are the primary attractions for tourists and recreationists
              visiting the county. The First Annual Eastern Shore.Birding Festival, held in October -1993
              during the peak of fall migration,, demonstrated the potential of'birding to the County. Bird-
              watching tourists brought $52,000 intolthe County during the two-day event, the equivalent of
              nearly two -full-time, permanent jobs. 'Northampton County is known for its place in the
              annual Historic Garden Tour held each April.

              Given the, outstanding cultural and natural resources found. in Northampton County, it is likely
              that the county can attract a much larger share of the east coast tourism market. Demand for
              nature-based and heritage-based tourism outlets is great. According to a U.S. Fish and
              Wildlife Service study, over 3 million people in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania
              reported traveiing'-for the purpose of observing, feeding, or photographing fish and wildlife in
              1991** In.,pursuit of these activities, residents of these three states spent over $819 million on
              'food, lodging, transportation an'd other trip-related expenses, and $952 million on equipment.

              According to the United States Congress Office, of Technology Assessment, tourism has
              recently emerged as the world's largest industry. Its data for recent years show that travelers
              and tourists in the U.S. spent $350 billion, generated 5.8 million jobs and produced $4.8
              billion in local tax revenues annually. Moreover, tourism is a growing industry worldwide.
              One study projects 8% growth in world tourism overall, with 10% to 15% growth expected in
              adventure/cultural tourism, and 25% to 30% growth in nature-based tourism. The U.S.
              Department of Labor, estimates that 7 out of every 10 jobs generated in the 1990's will be in
              tourism.


              Arts/Crafts/Local Products
              Production and sales of indigenous arts, crafts and other local products have proven to add
              significantly to rural economies with similarities to Northampton. Successful arts/crafts guilds
              and cooperatives in other communities suggest how a strong and thriving arts/crafts/and local
              products, industry could improve the County's econo -my.

              One such cooperative, is the Watermark Association of Artisans based in coastal  North
              Carolina. The Watermark cooperative is a large association of 750 member-artisans that
              produces, markets, dnd distributes large volumes of hand-made baskets, quilts, decorative
              wooden items, dolls, wreaths, and other items. In 1992, its, 15th year in production,
              Watermark sales totaled $664,000, nearly 90% through their wholesale catalog outlet. The
              total impact of W atermark on the rural Camden County, North Carolina economy is more


                                                            3-11









             than $1 million 'annually..

             Research and Education
             Research and education activities currently bring significant new dollars into Northampton
             County. Total known research expend     'itures in the county in 1992 amounted to about
             $377,500 and supported 25 local jobs. These expenditures generated $691,200 in direct,
             indirect, and induced econonu-c impacts. In 1992, there were seven reported research groups
             active in the county spending over 5,900 research days. However, research and education
             activities in Northampton County have the potefitial to be significantly expanded beyond
             current levels. Old Dominion University, in cooperation with the. Nature Conservancy,
             announced in 1993 its intentions to establish the Virginia Coast Institute, a research facility
             dedicated to the applied study of sustainable development. As this research facility evolves
             into a large center sponsored by a consortium of universities and other research concerns, its
             impact on the community should be substantial.

             Northampton County is an ideal location for specialized research requiring the presence of
             relatively unspoiled coastal natural and cultural systems which are becoming increasingly rare
             throughout the world.'For example, the importance of Northampton County for resident and
             migrating birds has generated much interest among researchers at nearby universities and
             research institutions. The unique hydrngeolegy of the Eastern Shore has also generated
             research activity in the County. Efforts of the Long Term Ecological Research Center
             headquartered in Oyster and the research activities of numerous institutions and agencies
             within the County demonstrate the significant potential for. research and education in
             Northampton.

             In addit ion to pure research activities,. adult/youth education programs hold significant
             potential to bring income to the County in the support *of jobs, revenue and, improved quality
             of life. Organizations which could potentially include Northampton County in their existing
             natiortal/international education programs include Elder Hostel, Marine Science Consortium,.
             National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Outward
             Bound, World Watch, and others.


             Value-Added Produce/Seafood
             A ,recent analysis by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University of the economic
             potential of targeted industries in Northampton County indicated that the local agriculture and
             seafood/aquaculture industries could support development of a value-added produce/seafood
             industry. with an estimated potential of more than $20 million in gross regional product and
             more than 500 jobs. The growing number of health-conscious American consumers and the
             growing demandfor fresh produce and seafood, specialty products and chemical-free products
             grown in clean waters and "organic" soils present significant market opportunities for
             Northampton County.





                                                             3-12








               New Industry
               Promising opportunities exist for Northampton County to develop new industries Which
               provide well-paying jobs with benefits, provide a diversified tax base, improve the quality'of
               life of the County's people and retain its young-people a's they enter the work force. Efforts
               must include development of new local,industry and retainMent of existing industry as well as
               recruiting relocation and expansion of appropriate industries to the County.

               If the'community   is to be successful in dev&loping, recruiting and.,sustaining'new industry, it
               must preserve and enhance its valuable competitive advantages including its unique character
               and sense of place, its quality of life, its-natural environment, as well as many other assets.
               Schools must be kept at,high levels. Limited-but-adequate groundwater must be protected and
               managed wisely. Infrastructure, such as water and sewer, as well as new retail, service and
               cultural facilities, must be developed to serve development focused in our identified
               village/town growth areas to assist in developing/recruiting/retaining new,. as well as existing
               industry.

               Target IndustriesNital Assets
               Each of these target industries depends on many factors for its development and ongoing
               success, but each is based upon one or more fundamental "     vital asse ts-. These are "make or
               break" assets, without which the industry cannot.remain viable. Ultimately these industries,
               the assets they are built upon, and the people of the local community who are responsible.for
               development of these industries and stewardship of these assets are each dependant one upon
               the other. Northampton County's targeted industries and corresponding vital assets. are:

               o  Agriculture/Productive Land
                  Seafood and Aquaculture'/Clean Water.
               o  Heritage Tourism/Preserved Natural and Cultural Resources
               o  Arts, Crafts and Local Products/Culturally-Diverse and Authentic Community
               o  Research and EducatiorYIntact Natural and Cultural Systems
               o  New Industry/Sense of Place., Quality of Life, Adequate Fresh Water
               Development Implementation.
               Target Industry Task Forces
               To effectively manage the creation and implementation of the Action Strategy, the Sustainable
               Development Task Force formed itself 'into the following target-industry task, forces.: Working
               as subcommittees of the overall Task Force, these    six groups are focused on development of
               specific industries and protection of the key assets  on which each industry relies:

               1. Agriculture Task Force       focus on.development of the agriculture industry and protection
               of productive land;

               2. Seafood/Aquaculture Task Force -       focus on development of the seafood/aquaculture
               industry and. protection of water q'U'ality;

                                                               3-13









              3. Heritage Tourism Taskforce - focus on development, of the heritage tourism ind         ustry
              and protection of preserved natural and cultural assets;

              4. Arts/Crafts/Local Products Task Force - focus on development of the arts/crafts/local
              products industry and protection of a culturally-diverse  and authentic community;

              5. Research/Education Task Force - focus on development of. the research and education
              industry and,protection of intact.natural and cultural systems

              6. New Industry Task Force - focus on -development of new sustainable industry and
              protection of sense of,place, quality of life and groundwater.

              Budget and Funding
              Development of the Sustainable Development Action Strategy was funded by the County's
              Special Area Management Plan     'grant. Its implementation will be primarily funded by the
              SAMP grant as well. The Action Strategy is the implementation mechanism for SAMP. The
              allocation of Fiscal Year 1993 funds- has already been applied- for and approved by the
              National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the funding agency. The budget for Fiscal
              Years 1994 and 19,95 will be formulated by the target industry task forces subject to approval
              by the Sustainable Development Task Force, County.Board of Supervisors and NOAA.
              Measures of Success
              The focus of this, strategy i's a program of achievable, measurable actions. Accomplishment of
              these actions will provide immediate tangible successes. HoweveT,- these inunediate objectives
              are onl@ a means to an end. They are not an end in themsQlves. The true measures of success
              must come in the enhancement of the community's economic, social and environmental
              health. Specific indicators to be tracked in each of these areas include:

              Economic Indicators


              Socia  I Indicators


              Environmental Indicators


              Sustainable Development Concept
              Sustainable Development, according to the United Nations World Commission on
              Environment and Development, is "development which meets the needs of the present without
              compromising, the 'ability of future geherations to meet their own needs." At the 1992 United
              Nations Conference-on Environment and Development, representatives from 180 nations
              gathered "to promote sustainable and environmentally sound development." Sustainable
              development has three defining principles. It is development which is economically viable,


                                                             3-14








                environmentally responsible,     and, -socially equitable. Sustainable development requires       a long
                term planning and policy perspective. It must build upon and reinforce,the interdependence of
                people, the economy, and the erivirortment.

                Early in this century Theodore Roosevelt wrote, "the nation behaves -well          if it treats the
                natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation,         increased  and not
                impaired in value". Oerhaps the earliest reference to the concept isin.the         Book of Genesis,
                where in the story of creation Moses wrote, "The Lord God [put humankind in Creation] to
                work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2`15). Here are simply statedthe interdependent
                responsibilities of humankind to derive a living from Creation - "to work it"            and to be its
                continuing stewards    - "to take care of it".

                Factors which determine, Sustainability
                No industry or development activity can be        .considered  "sustainable"  in and of itself.
                Sustainability depends not only on what is done, but also on how it is done, how much              is,
                done, - when'and where    it is done, who does it and who benefits from it. The factors'which,
                determine susMinability include:

                1. Type of Development Activity
                I Quantity and Intensity
                3. Timing and Duration
                4. Location
                5, Design and Management
                6. Responsibility/Authority
                7. Owners/Beneficiaries


                Northampton's Sustainable Development Legacy
                Sustainable oeveh.;rpment is not,a new concept to Northampton County            and Virginia's Eastern
                Shore. For centuries the native' peoples @were sustained by the'great abundance of fish,
                shellfish, deer and fowl of the waters, land andforests of this narrow strip of land between
                the Chesapeake, Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Native Americans understood. their
                interdependence with Creation. They knew that with proper stewardship, they could count on
                a continuing harvest. Upon their arrival nearly 400 years ago, African and European settlers
                soon learned that if worked and cared for properly, Northampton County's soils, the shellfish
                beds of its shallow waters, and the fisheries of,its preeks      and bays would yield an abundant
                crop year after year, season after seas    on.

                Although there has    been much discussion, nationally      and internationally, in recent years about
                the definition and- philosophy of the term "sustainable development", the, Northampton
                community has,mado, it dlear that it is not concerned with merely defining or talking about
                the concept. Rather, the County is working to, put the principles of sustainable development
                into action.  The 1990 Northampton County Comprehensive Plan states: "it shall be the
                development policy of Northampton Count@ to promote agriculture, seafood, tourism, and
                compatible industries; to-protect and     enhance its, fragile 'environment, natural resources and

                                                                   .3-15









            rural character while permitting environmentally compatible economic growth and
            improvement to the cultural and socio-economic well being of its citizens both present and
            future."


            The local community has engaged in efforts to derivejobs and income from its resources in
            ways that protect and enhance these resources and, that benefit all of its people equitably. The
            Sustainable Development Action Strategy is the direct result of these efforts, as are its
            foundation documents, the Special Area Management Plan, A Blueprint For Economic
            Growth, the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan and Beaches, Islands, Marshes and
            Woodlands.










































                                                         .3-16











                                          Agricu ure
                                            ..'Industry

                                               Northampton County
                                   Sustainable Development Action Strategy



                         Adopted by Northampton County Board of Supervisors   - June 28, 1994
                           Approved by Sustainable Development Task Force -.May 17, 1994
                                  Approved by Agriculture. Task Force - May 17, 1994


















                                                          4-1


















































































                                                            4-2






               DEVELOP AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY/
               PROTECT PRODUCTIVE LAND'

               Mission & Goals
               Return local agriculture to its historic economic level in a manner which  sustains, the industry
               at its full economic potential and rhaintains -oroductive locally-owned farm land and farms for
               the ongoing benefit of all citizens and future generations. To accomplish this mission,
               Northampton County must:

               1. Keep Northampton's ad6quate-but-limited. supply of agricultural land in production by
               maintaining the County's pattern of compact villages and towns.

               2. Rationally and fairly reform the means of financing local government services to a system
               which would encourage business investment', rather than relying on the speculative residential
               and/or, commercial potential of land.

               3. Maximize themarket for Northampton County agricultural products and,pursue -local
               industry which adds value to,products to maximize local agricultural jobs, tax revenue,
               markets for local producers, and benefits to the, local economy/c6mmunity.

               4. Educate the community on current, efforts of agricultural producers to protect water and
               environmental resources and continue to explore and introduce sensible' voluntary practices to
               minimize chemical inputs and to ensure ongoing viability of the County's valuable
               ecosystems and the continuing health and productivity of its land and water.

               5. Involve all agricultural, producers and the entire Northampton community   in efforts to
               develop the agriculture industry and protect the resources on which it relies.
               I,ndustry. Potential
               Throughout the county's long history, agriculture - @along with seafood   has been the
               mainstay of the local economy. Today,, agriculture continues,As the largest component of
               Northampton County's economy by a large' margin. With total industrial output exceeding $6'8
               million annually, this sector drives the rest of the local economy. According to a 1993
               analysis by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, agriculture supports more
               than 450 full time'jobs in Northampton, County, and provides a net fiscal benefit (taxes minus
               cost of services) exceeding $400,000 annually .

               Agriculture has continued as the mainstay of the local economy even as the    importance of.
               this industry has declined throughout Virginia overall. The 'amount of cropland harvested in
               Northampton County has remained between about 36,000 acres and 50,000 acres throughout
               most of this century. Northampton is one of Virginia's largest producers of comrnercial

                                                              4-3









             vegetables, even though the trend has been to diversify into small grains, soybeans, and
             nursery production.'

             A recent analysis by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University of the economic
             potent ial of agriculture in Northampton County indicated that the level of industrial output
             can be maintained and that the number of agriculture jobs can be doubled while producing the
             current mix of crops and using alternative, low'-input'agricultural -practices. This analysis also
             indicated that -the local agriculture industry could support development of a Northampton
             County value-added produce industry with an estimated potential of more than $20 million in
             gross regional product and more than 500 jobs. The growing number of health-conscious
             American consumers and the growing demand for fresh produce, specialty produce and
             chemical-free "organic" produce present significant market opportunities for Northampton
             County. The Courity's proximity to Southeast Virginia's 1.1 million people and to major East
             Coast cities offers a large and continuous potential market for its agricultural products.

             The bottom line is that agriculture is big industry in Northampton County, can stay big and
             grow. Agriculture and the rural community which it makes possible, is vital to the
             developme nt and sustainability of other important local industry, including heritage tourism,
             afts/crafts/local products and value-added produce/seafood. Agriculture can be carried on with
             little negative environmental impact while maintaining profitability and doubling the number
             of local jobs which it supports.

             To fully develop and sustain the agriculture industry, Northampton County must consider the
             following assets, challenges,, opportunities and threats.

             Asset9
             Community strengths which support full development of the agriculture industry in
             Northampton County include:

             o fertile agricultural land;
             o agricultural services and,support infrastructure;
             o available experienced labor;
             o farming tradition;
             o excellent reputation and market acceptance of Northampton produce;
             o rural- villages and communities;
             o productive farms, nurseries and forests.

             Challenges
             Major hurdles that must be overcome to fully develop and sustain agriculture in Northampton
             County include:

             o local tax structure based PnTarmland's speculative residential/commercial development
             potential;



                                                          4-4









              o diminishing markets;
              o increasing reliance on and costs..of fertilizer, pesticides, other chemicals and irrigation;
              0 increasing, development pressure on farm land;

              Opportunities
              A!ctivities/factors with promise to support th6 development and ongoing  viability of the
              agriculture industry in.Northampton County:

              o large and growing new markets for fresh vegetable products., organically-grown produce and
              specialty farm products;
              o proximity to large metrop olitan areas;

              Threats
              Current/potential activities that could prevent or destroy our ability to develop and sustain the
              agriculture industry in Northampton County:

              o loss and fragmentation of productive land to suburban, sprawl development;
              o loss-of local supply/service businesses a.nd'other infrastructure needed to support
              agricultural operations;
              o loss, of farm communities, small towns, and villages;
              o conversion of quality agriculture, nursery and forest land to residential and other uses@-
              o loss of market share to other agricultural-producing areas,
              o taxing of farmland-based on the value-of its suburban and waterfront residential/commercial
              developmenf potential rather than its crop-producing potential.
              o attitude that farming is a dead/dying industry locally and throughout America;

              Actions
              Actions to develop and sustain the,agriculture industry in N,orthampton by building on  the
              County's assets, overconung its liabilities, taking advantage of opportunities and protecting
              against threats:

              Priority Actions
              1. Value of, Local A i   ulture Industry. Perform a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits
                                  9r1c
              of the agriculture industry in Northampton County. Include an analysis  of'the land acreage
              and location required to sustain a,viable agriculture industry in-the County. Also,include
              analysis'of the economic, fiscal, environmental and socialbenefits of preserving agricultural
              land. and steering development toward compact rural towns and    villages in the County's
                                                                           s
              :i*storic settlement pattern versus sprawling suburban pattern and strip commercial
              develo  ment along U. S. 13.
                     p








                                                            4-5









              New Agricultural MarketslPro   ducts. Identify and develop new agricultural markets for
            products that can be produced profitably by Northampton County farmers. Support and take
            maximum advantage of the Eastern Shore Farmers Market and identify and pursue
            opportunities for,direct marketing of the County's produce to retail outlets and consumers in
            nearby urban centers.

            3 alue-Added Products. Identify and explore development of marketable value-added
            , . V
            products and means for profitably producing such products. Coordinate, with seafood and
            Aquaculture Task Force to include -value-added seafood and combination products.

            4. Agriculture Field Thps. Facilitate field trips to'educate community leader's and the
            citizenry regarding agriculture and the assets, opportunities, threats and action needed to
            develop and sustain it as a viable local industry.

            5. Agriculture Community Workshop. Sponsor a'community workshop which involves
            agricultural producers and the Northampton community in actions to fully develop and sustain
            the local agriculture 'industry. This will be held in January 1995 in conjunction with t@e
            annual agricultural conference.

            6. Low-inputlOrganic Farming. Explore product markets for and feasibility of low-input
            and organic produce and implement demonstration projects for promising new.products.

            Actions@ to Support Work.by Others
            1. Village Zoning Ordinance. Review the Zoning Ordinance currently being drafted and
            work with the Planning Commission to ensure inclusion of effective provisions and incentives,
            for clustering development to preserve productive agricultural and forest land..

            2. Village Zoning Map. Review the Zoning Map currently being drafted.and work with the
            Planning Commission to ensure designation of towns and villages as the focal points of
            residential, commercial and industrial development to preserve productive agriculture, nursery
            and forest land.


            3. Village Revitalization Strategy. Work with the other industry task forces in the
            development of a county-wide town and, village revitalization strategy to ensure coordination
            of village revitalization with protection of the most productive agricultural lands.

            4. Diversified Tax Base.. Work with and support groups engaged in development of a
            diversified business/industrial tax base compatible with the continued viability of the
            agriculture industry in Northampton County.

            5. Use Value Taxation. Work with    and support efforts to rationally and fairly reform the-
            means, of financing local government services to a system which is supported by exported
            industrial products/services and visiting tourists, rather than the speculative residential and/or
            commercial potential of'land.


                                                         4-6









             6. Conservation Easements.   Work with interested community groups to formulate and
             implement a local strategy to facilitate voluntary placement of conservation easements on
             agricultural, nursery -and forest land to.remove all or a portion of the development potential -
             and correspond ,ing tax burden from land designated'by its owner to be permanently
             maintained    agricultural use.'Granting of such easements, would be, at the discretion of the
             property owner and could be held by a qualified regional "land. trust" organization operating
             in Northampton County (Chesapeake Bay    Foundation' or The,,Nature Conservancy) or state
             agency (Virginia Outdoors Foundation).
             '7. VillagelTown Infrastructure. Support efforts to provide water, sewer, and other
             infrastructure which facilitates a settlement pattern of small; compact villages and towns
             based on the County's historic settlement sites, each surrounded by productive farmland
             ar@dJor forest.
             Potential"Future Actions
             1. Transfer of Development Rights.',, As permitted by state enabling legislation, explore,
             development bf a- Transfer -of Development Rights (TDR) program or similar program which
             most equitably steers'residentiWcommerpial dev'elopment to compact, town/village growth,
             areas and away from productive agriculture, forest, and nursery land.



























                                                         4-7






              Agriculture Task Force
              focus on development of the agriculture industry and protection of productive land

              Task Force                                           Resource Persons
              Ms. Christine Tankard, -Chatrinan                    Ms. Caroline Butler''
              26109 Lankford Highw     Iay                         City of Hampton
              Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                         22 Linco,ln Street
              3.31-396.5 (h)                                       Hampton, Virginia 23669'
                                                                   727-6140 (o)
              Mr. Roger Buym
              P. 0. Box 2080                                       Mr. Fred Diem
              Cheriton, Virginia 23316                             Northampton County Extension* Agent
              678-7232 (h)                                         P.O. Box 457
                                                                   Eastville, Virginia 23347
              Mr. J.W. Nottingham, 111,                            678-7709 (h) 678-0453 (o)
              P.O. Box 383
              'Nassawadox, Virginia 23413.                         Mr. John Humphrey
              442-7666 (h) 442-9237    (o)                         Northampton County Department of
                                                                   Planning & Zoning
              Mr. Steve.Parker                                     P.O. Box 538
              P.O. Box 159                                         Eastville, Virginia 23347
              Nassawadox, Virginia 23347                          .-678-0443 (o)
              442-5418 (h) 442-3049 (o)
                                                                   Mr. Thomas G. Johnson,
              Ms. Mary Peacock                                     Dept. of Agricultural Economics
              P.O. Box 1047                                        Vi-git,-;4 Tech.
              Cheriton, Virginia 23316                             Blackburg, Virginia 24061 -
              678-5207 (h)          -                              (703),382-5327 (h) (703)  231-6461 (o)

              Mr. Bruce Richardson                                 Mr. Rodney Lewis
              P.O. Box 22                                          Eastern Shore Soil &
              Capeville, Virginia 233  13                          Water Conservation District
              331-1997 (h)                                         P.O. Box, 127
                                                                   Accomac, Virignia -2330 1
              Mr. Phillip B. Tankard'@                             787-1251 (o)
              RFD Box 425
              Machipongo, Virginia- 23405                          Mr. Denard Spady
              678-5297 (h) 442-6112 (0)                            Northampton Joint Local
                                                                   Planning Commission
                                                                   Townsend, Virginia 23443
                                                                   331-1211 (h)









                                                                      'AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

                                                                                  Northompton County
                                                                      Sustc;noble Development Action Strotegy
                                                                             PRIORITY ACTIONS


                            PRIORITY ACTION          ASSIGNED TASK            ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS                  ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS           START     COMPLETION

                                                     FORCE MEMBER         FY'93        FY'94        FY'95       FY'93       FY'94        FY'95       DATE         DATE

                     1. Value of Local                                    1,000

                     Agriculture Industry



                     2. New Agricultural

                     Markets/Products



                     3. Value-Addbd Products



                     4. Agriculture Field Trips



                     5. Agriculture Community

                     Workshop



                     6. Low-input/
                     organic Farming


                       Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be reco.mmended by the Sustainable Development Task Force

                     and approved  by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.










                                                                               AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY
                                                                                          Northampton County
                                                                             Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                             ACTIONS TO SUPPORT WORK BY OTHERS


                            ACTIONS BY OTHERS           ASSIGNED TASK              ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS*                   ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS             START   COMPLETION
                                                        FORCE MEMBER                                                                FY'94        FY'95       DATE          DATE
                                                                               FY93         FY'94         FY'9S        FY'93

                       1. Village Zoning Ordinance



                       2, Village Zoning Map



                       3. 'Village Revitalization Strategy



                       4. Diversified Tax Base



                       5. UseVolueTaxotion



                       6. Conservation Easements


                       *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force
                       and approved by Board of Supervi@ors and NCAA.










                      .Seafood                        Aquacultu're
                                            Industr

                                            Northampton County
                                 Sustainable Development, Action Strategy



                        Adopte:d by Northampton County Board of Supervisors - June 28,1994
                          Approved by Sustainable Development Task Force - May 17, 1994
                          Approved,by Seafood & Aqua'culture Task Force - May 17, 1994
















                                                       5-1










































































                                                             5-2






              DEVELOP SEAFOOD & AQUACULTURE
              INDUSTRY/
              PROTECT, WATER QUALITY'

              Mission &Goals
              Develop a' strong Seafood & Aquaculture  Industry in Northampton County and protect the
              high water quality of theCounty's Seaside  and Ba:yside waters.
              1. Restore and maintain a sustainable local seafood industry based on theharvesting of wild
              stocks of local shellfish and finfish.

              2. Develop to full.potential a sustainable local seafood industry based on the culturing of
              shellfish and finfish.

              3. Protect water'quality from both point-source and nonpoint-sou'rce contamination;

              4. Maximize the local seafood    aquacufture industry's potential to create jobs, career
              advancement and entrepreneurial opportunities..

              '5. Involve the entire'communityin the development of the seafood & aquaculture industry
              and protection of Water quality.

              6. Educate the community on the close 'Connection between clean water and a healthy
              economy and between clean Water and local land use decisions.
              Industry           Potential
              Throughout the County's history, watermen   have harvested,vast quantities of fin and shellfish
              from Northampton's bayside and seaside waters. For nearly 400 years, seafood, along with
              agriculture, has supported the local economy. In recent years,- the Northampton County
              seafood industry (excluding aquaculture)'has generated approximately $6.8 million in income
              annually and supported 478 jobs.

              Since the late 1980'ï¿½, aquaculture has come to play a very significant role in Northampton's
              economy.,. Northampton County's Cherrystone' Aquafarms is one of the largest clam
              producers in,North America with an annual harvest approaching 50 million clams and valued
              at over $7 million. There are other growing clam hatcheries in the County as well as some
              soft shell crabbing operations. Aquaculture currently supports approximately 95 full-@ and part-
              time jobs in Northampton County and its economic impact *rs estimated at $10.5 million.
              Currently, Northampton's aquaculture industry is built on a thriving hard clam, market, but
              local producers in conjunction with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are developing


                                                           5-3









             the culture of scallops, oysters, soft clams and ribbed mussels, as well as finfish products.
             This will vastly expand a nd diversify Northampton County's seafood and aquaculture industry
             to meet world-Mide demand.


             Demand for Northampton County's seafood products is increasing. Diminishing        areas of
             clean, disease-free water and seafood world-wide coupled with Northampton County's and
             Virginia's reputation for consistently clean, high quality seafood has resulted in a high level
             of market acceptance for Northampton County seafood.

             To fully develop and sustain the seafood and aquaculture industry, Northampton County must
             consider.the following assets, challenges, opportunities and threats.

             Assets
             Strengths supporting the. successful. development and sustainablility of the seafood and
             aquaculture industry in Northampton include:

             o abundant clean waters and shellfish growing areas of its numerous tidal creeks and,bays;
             o its experienced seafood harvesting and aquacultute labor fori,-e;
             o high market acceptance'of Eastern Shore seafood products;
             o unmet and growing demand for Northampton's seafood products;
             o civic-minded residents willing to monitor water quality;
             o job potential of aquaculture, seafood and value-added seafood;.
             o high level of buyer confidence due to effective, efforts of Virginia's Division of Shellfish
             Sanitation@ to guarantee clean waters/shellfish and protect public health.

             Challenges
             Weaknesses that must be overcome-in the development of the aquaculture and seafood
             harvesting industry include:

             o areas of condemned shellfish grounds in virtually every bayside creek due to    fecal coliform
             bacteria contamination;
             ï¿½ failed septic systems, nitrate and other contamination of bayside and seaside   waters;
             ï¿½ lack of adequate wastewater treatment facilities and. corresponding reliance on individual
             septic systems;
             o inadequate supply of most county seafood products'to meet steady demand,for product.

             Opportunities
             Activities/situations with potential to build on our assets and overcome our liabilities to
             develop -and sustain the industry:

             o large and growing   national and global demand for seafood;
             o large and growing   number of health-conscious American consumers;
             o contamination of water and loss of seafood-producing ability in other historic seafood-


                                                            5-4









               producing areas world-wide;
               o C ,itizens For'a-Better Eastern Shore water monitoring/stewardship pr.ogram;
               0. Local water research efforts of University scientists/students;
               o local seafood andaquaculture    research and development efforts. of Virginia .Institute of
               Marine  Scien ce.


               Threats
               Actions/Factors that could prevent or destroy our ability to develop   and sustain the  seafood &
               aquaculture industry-

               0 possible additional shellfish ground closures and loss.of productivity of County waters due
               to contamination from large numbers of septic systems, sedimentj and nutrient pollution from
               suburban residential development throughout the County;
               0 Improperly-located/ 'designed resort/marina development;
               o Continued over'-harvesting and mismanagement of, fisheries resources..

               Actions,
               Actions to develop and sustain   the seafood'and@ aquaculture industry in Northampton by
               building on the County's assets, overcoming its liabilities, taking advantage Of opportunities
               and protecting against threats:

               Priority Actions
               1. Exceptional Waters. Nominate some appropriate @bayside and seaside creeks and bays for
               designation as Exceptional Waters by the Virginia Water Division to protect shellfish growing
               areas from new and expanded point source discharges and to gain a com etitive marketing
                                                                                           P
               advantage for Northampton-grown seafood.

               2. Stormwater Management.       Formulate a County-wide stormwater management plan and
               ordinance and review the County's erosion & sediment control ordinance- w ihininuize
               nonpoint-source contamination from surface runoff.

               3. Marina Siting. Adopt marina siting standards and subaqueous permit guidelines to ensure
               appropriate siting of marinas and dredge material disposal.

               4. Subdivision Ordinance. -Modify the County subdivision ordinance to maintain maximum
               vegetative cover,,reduce impervious surface.and minimize      runoff.

               5. Rural Road Standards.. Work with the Virginia Department of Transpo        rtation to develop
               and adopt alternative rural road standards which provide for safe travel while minimizing
               impervious surface in.order to'minimize runoff and retain maximum vegetationin road rights-
               of-way. This will protect water quality as well as preserve 'habitat and historic rural character.
               Establish thOtandards in a memorandum of understanding between Northampton Countyj the
               Virginia Department of Transportation and Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department.


                                                               5-5









              6. Vegetation in Power Line Rights-of-Way.' Draft and exec.ute a memorandum of
              understanding between Northampton County, A.& N Electric Cooperative, Delmarva Power
              Company, and the Virginia Departments of Conservation & Recreation and Game and Inland
              Fisheries to pursue appropriate management of vegetation in power line rights-of-way for,
              water quality and wildlife habitat protection.

              7. Community Workshops and Field Tyips. Facilitate community workshops and field trips
              to involve the community in specific actions to develop the seafood & aquaculture industry
              and protect water quality.

              Actions to Su@port Work by Others
              1. Citizen Water Quality MonitoringlStewardship. Support Citizen's for A Better Eastern
              Shore in organizing and maintaining a citizen water quality monitoring/stewardship program
              to locate, analyze and eliminate specific sources of contamination.

              2. Zoning Ordinance. Review the Zoning Ordinance currently being,drafted and work with
              the Planning Commission to ensure inclusion of effective performance zoning provisions,
              incentives and 'Criteria tofoster the re-establishment,of towns and villages as the focal points
              of community life and the location of new residential, commercial, and industrial
              development. Amend the Comprehensive Plan map and text if necessary to facilitate such
              zoning. The ordinance must also contain provisions for protection and installation of
              vegetation in order to protect water quality.

              3. Zoning Map. Review the Zoning Map c       urrentlybeing drafted and work with the Planning
              Commission to ensure designation of towns and villages as the            points of residential,
              'commercial and industrial development to protect water quality by maintaining maximum
              vegetative cover and minimizing impervidus surface and runoff.

              4. Vegetated Waterfront. Support County and ChesapeakeBay Local Assistance Department
              efforts to maintain, a vegetated waterfront through the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance
              and County Zoning Ordinance.

              5. Oyster Replenishment. Support Virginia Marine Resources Comrnissi6n and Virginia
              Institute of Marine Science efforts to restore oyster populations and productivity   in Seaside
              and Bayside waters.

              6. Water Research. Support continued research to support sound protection and management
              of-groundand surface water quality-and quantity.

              7. Marine Resource Management. 'Draft new legislation and assist the Virginia Marine
              Resources Commission     in developing policies to promote proper management and harvesting
              of marine resources.





                                                              5-6









             Potential Future Actions
             1. Wastewater Treatment. Explore development of cost-effective, environmentally-sound
             wastewater treatment facilities to serve compact development areas of individual, historic
             towns and villages designated to be the focus of planned residential, commercial and
             industrial development throughout the County. Explore operation of these separate facilities
             by a County-wide utility/service authority to provide coordinated management   quality control
             and economy of scale.

             2. Septic System Limits-, Explore means to limit installation of new individual septic systems
             and phase out existing systerns, where practical, as town/village systems are phased in.





































                                                            5-7






               Seafood & Aquaculture Task Forc'e
               focus on development of the seafood & aquaculture industry and protection of water quality

               Task Force                                         Resource Persons
               Mr..Seth Rux, Chairman                             Mr. Paul Berge
               P. 0. B'ox 37                                      Accomack-Northampton
               Marionville, Virginia 2,3408                       Planning District Commission
               442-3297 (h)                                       31144 Bunting Point Road
                                                                  Me 'Ifa, Virginia 23410
               Mr. ,Roger Buyrn                                   787-3844 (h)-
               P. 0. Box'2080
               Cheriton, Virginia 23316                           Professor William Dunston
               678-7232 (h)                                       Business Department
                                                                  Old Dominion University
               Mr. Sidney Camden                                  5420 Hibiscus Court
               P.O. Box 1227                                      Chincoteague, Virginia 23336
               Eastville, Virginia 23347                          336-5819.(h)
               678-7370 (h) 678-7655 (o)
                                                                  Dr. William DuPaul
               Dr. Michael Peirson                                School of Marine Science
               P.O. Box 222                                       P.O. Box 1346
               Eastville, Virginia 23347                          Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062
               331-2622 (o) Fax: 331-1208 (o)                     642-71-63 (h) 642-7097 (o)
               678-7896 (h)                                       Fax:  642-7097,

               Mr. Gordon Putman*                                 M:. Chris Frye
               6166 Rose Court        -                           Virginia Marine Resources Commission
               Exmore, Virginia 23350                             P.O. Box 756
               442-4032'(h)                                       Newport News, Virginia 23607
                                                                  247-8028 (o)
               Mr. Victor Schmidt'
               P.O. Box 613                                       Ms. Jean Gregory
               2227 Cherrystone Road,                             Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality.
               Cheriton, Virginia 23316.                          Water Division
               331-14.50 (h)                                      P.O. Box 10009
                                                                  Richmond, Virginia 23240-0009
                                                                  527-5093 (o)

                                                                  Mr. John Humphrey
                                                                  Northampton 'County Department of
                                                                  Planning & Zoning
                                                                  P.O. Box 538
                                                                  Eastville, Virginia 23347,.
                                                                  678-0443 (o)
               *pending appointment, by Board of Supervisors         -









            Task Force (continued)                           Resource Persons (continued)
                                                             Mr. Mark Leukenbach
                                                             Virginia Institute of Marine Science
                                                             P.O. Box 1346
                                                             Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062
                                                             642-7097 (o)

                                                             Ms. Sayra Grace Thacker
                                                             Virginia Institute of Marine 'Science
                                                             College of William and Mary
                                                             Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062
                                                             642-7175 (o) Fax: 642-7097


                                                             Mr.. James Wesson
                                                             Virginia Marine Resource Commission
                                                             P.O. Box 756
                                                             Newport News, Virginia 23607-0756
                                                             247-2121 (o)










                                                            SEAFOOD & AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
                                                                                      Northampton County
                                                                         Susk-, it able Development Action Strategy
                                                                                PRIORITY ACTIONS


                             PRIORITY ACTION'          ASSIGNED,TASK              ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS                    ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS             START     COMPLETION
                                                       FORCE MEMBER           FY'93        FY'94         FY'95        FY!93        FY'94        FY'95       DATE@         DATE

                      1. Exceptional Waters                                    500


                      2: Stormwater Management                                 Soo



                      3. Marina Siting



                      4. Subdivision Ordinance




                      5. Rural Road Standards



                      6. Vegetation in Power Lines
                      Rights-of Way

                      7. Community Workshops

                      and Field Trips
                      *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA.  Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force
                      and approved by Board of Supe isors and NOAA.











                                                             SEAFOOD & AQUACULTURE- INDUSTRY
                                                                                      Northampton County
                                                                         Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                          ACTIONS TO SUPPORT WORK-BY OTHERS



                             ACTIONS BY OTHERS          ASSIGNED TASK             ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS'                 ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS            START    COMPLETION
                                                        FORCE MEMBER          FY'93       FY'94        -FY,95       FY'93       FY'94        FY'95       DATE         DATE
                       1. Citizen Water Quality                               200

                       Mon itoring/Stewardship

                       2. Zoning0rdinance



                       3. Zonin-9--map-


                       4. Vegetated Waterfront



                       5. Oyster Replenishment



                       6. Water Research



                       *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved byNOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to bp recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force

                       and a proved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.











                               Heritage Tourism'
                                             lndu@ stry

                                             Northampton County
                                  Sustainable Development Action Strategy


                        Adopted by Northampton County   I@oard (,f Supervisors June 28, 1994
                          Approved by Sustainable Development Task Force - May 17, 1994
                              Approved by Heritage Tourism Task Force - May 17, 1994















                                                        64










































































                                                             6-2





                DEVELOP HE                         R."ITAGE TOURISM
                .INDUSTRY/
                PROTECT NATURAL & CULTURAL
                ASSETS

                Mission & Goals
                Build a diversified,. localiy-owned, authentic and high quality heritage tourism indu stry for
                Northampton County, Virginia.

                1. Create well-paying jobs, career advancement and educational opportunities for the benefit
                of all Northampton County citizens.

                2. Promote growth of existing businesses and provide new entrepreneurial. opportunities.

                3. Ensure the  protection and sustainable use of the natural, cultural and historic assets upon
                which the industry is,based.

                4. Involve the entire Northampton County community          and all appropriate organizations and
                agencies throughout development and ongoing management of the heritage tourism industry.

                5. Develop markets    and.a coordinated marketing program for nature tourists,, cultural       tourists,
                outdoor recreational  tourists in general and target groups such as birders, fishermenj
                photographers, in specific.
                6. Preserve 'and enhance' the historic  rural character.      image of Northampton County by
                       z'                                                              i n
                revita, 'Cag and beautifying its many historic villages, towns,     buildi gs and byways.
                Industry Potential
                Heritage Tourism   .is defined  as recreational travel activities which,d6pend on the     appreciation,
                interpretation and  protection of the community's authentic natural, scenic, recreational,
                historical and cultural assets. The heritage tourism industry in Northampton County is already
                a significant component of Northampton's economy. People engaged in recreation, travel,-and
                tou rism in the county spent a total of $9.9 million on lodging, restaurants, retail groceries,
                fuel and oil, and other goods and services in 1992. This initial spending generated
                $14,297,200 in direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts and supported 454 jobs.

                There were an es   'timated 70,300 recreation party-trips in Northampton. County in 1992 for
                fishing, boating,,, sightse-eing, observing wildlife, visiting historic sites and other travel
                activities.. These parties spent an. average  of $203 in Northampton County.        However@ this


                                                                  .6-3







              level'of tourism activity was well below lodging capacity. Lodging unit occupancy averaged
              less,than 25% in 1992, with a maximum monthly occupancy'rate of 67%,in July.

              Fishing and boating on the Bay are the primary attractions for tourists and recreationists
              visiting the county. However, because of declines in sportfish populations in the area, the
              number of anglers visiting the county has dropped off in recent years. The First Annual
              Eastern Shore Birding Festival, -held in October 1993 during the peak of fall migration,
              demonstrated the potential of birding to the County. Bird-watching tourists brought $52,000
              into the County during the two-day event, the equivalent of nearly two full-time, permanent
              jobs. Northampton County is known for its place.in the annual Historic Garden, Tour held
              each April, but the economic impactof this event has not been measured.

              Given the outstanding cultural and natural resources -found in Northampton     County, it is likely
              that the county can attract a much larger share of the east coast tourism market. The number
              and variety'of migrating birds, the pristine coastal marshland habitat, and the many historical
              structures and sites are a few examples of what, the county can offer its visitors.

              Demand for nature-based and heritage-based tourism outlets is great. According to      a U.S.
              Fish and Wildlife Service study, over 3 million people in Maryland, Virginia and
              Pennsylvania reported traveling for the purpose of observing, feeding, or photographing fish
              and wildlife in 1991. In pursuit of these activities, residents of these three states spent over
              $81,9 million on food, lodging, transportation and other trip-related expenses, and $952
              million on equipment.

              Moreover, tourism is a growing industry worldwide. One studyprojects        8% growth in world
              tourisny overall, with 100t to 1,5% growth expected in adventure/cultural   tourism, and 25% to
              30% growth in nature-based tourism. Through careful planning and judicious development,
              Northampton can capitalize on its unique wildlife and historic resources and capture a large
              share of this rharket.


              To fully develop and sustain the heritage tourism industry, Northampton County must
              consider the following assets, challenges, opportunities and threats.

              Assets
              Strengths supporting development of Northampton's heritage tourism industry include:

              o Natural Resources
              Chain of nine natural Barrier Islands
              38,000-acre coastal wilderness
              More than 250 species of birds
              'Migratory Bird concentration area, corridor, habitat
              Rare plants, animals & natural communities
              Kiptopeke Bird Banding Station
              Kiptopeke Raptor Observatory


                                                             6-4









              Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
              Mockho M_ Wildlife Management Area
              Wreck & Bone Island Natural areas
              Virginia Coast World Biosphere Rese rve

              o Cultural Resources
              Native-American Heritage
              African-American Heritage
              European- American Heritage
              Traditional Seafood Harvesting
              Productive Farms, forests, nurseries
              Working Watermen & Farmers
              ArchitecturallY7 and archaeologically-significant sites
              ol.Historic' Resources'
              Northampton County Courthouse National Historic. District
              Town of Cape Charles National Historic District
              16 National Register Historic Sites
              Oldest continuous court records
              Wealth of Artifacts


              o Archeological Resources
              Arlington
              Indiant6wn Park/Gin'gaskin
              Pear Valley
              many others


              o Recreational Resources
              Indiantown Park
              'Kiptopeke, State Park
              Kiptopeke Beach, fishing pier and boat ramp
              Cape Charles beach
              Cape Charles 'boat ramp
              Willis Wharf boat ramp & dock
              Oyster public harbor
              Red Bank boat ramp
              Morley's Wharf boat ramp
              Cape Charles deep water harbor
              Cape,Charles rail-ferry


              o Scenic Resources
              I I Bayside Creeks
              194 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline
              55.historic villages & towns


                                                          6-5








            40 miles of Seaside shoreline
            Rural countryside
            Cheasapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel
            Seaside coastal wilderness
            261 miles of Barrier Island shoreline
            Virginia Byways - Seaside Road (SR 600) and Willis Wharf Road (SR 603)

            Challenges
            Weaknesses,that must be overcome in. the development of the heritage tourism industry:

            o lack of local knowledge and appreciation of assets;
            o lack of visitor opportunities for authentic Eastern Shore experiences, food, and products;
            o lack of public access to the County's islands, marshes, waterways and other natural and
            historic assets;
            o limited interpretation of these assets;
            o lack of visitor rest roorns and other facilities;
            o lack of visitor centers'and gateways;
            o lack of central information/reservations;

            Opportunities
            Activities/situations with potential to* build on our assets and overcome our challenges to
            develop and sustain the industry:

            o Large and growing regional, national and international market for h eritage tourism;
            o Development of Ocean Heritage Highway;
            o Large and growing, market for authentic travel experiences, food, and products;
            o proximity to major population areas;
            _o isolation by Bay and bridge-tunnel toll;
            o within a day's drive of 60 -million people;

            Threats
            Activities/factors that could prevent or destroy our ability to develop and sustain the heritage
            tourism industry:,

            o.sprawl and strip development;
            o loss of wildlife and bird habitat - field, fore'st/scrub, marsh - due to forest. fragmentation,
            clearing of scrub/brush understory, conversion of farmland and forest to residences;
            o potential water contamination;
            o loss of historic buildings, farms, villages, and overall unique heritage, character, identity;
            o loss of traditional. economic activities - watermen, family farms - and rural way of life as
            in most of coastal America;
            o potential loss of unique sense of place;
            o complete lack of County's unique character in   recent residential, commercial developments;


                                                          6-6







               Actions
               Actions to develop and sustain the heritage   tourism industry in Northampton by building on
               the County's assets, overcoming its   liabilities, taking advantage of opportunities and
               protecting against threats:

               Priority Actions
               1. Market Development. Identify and evaluate existing and potential markets for
               Northampton County heritage tourism in terms of points of origin; demographic and economic
               profiles; recreational travel demand, activities and expenditures.; alternative heritage tourism
               programs that could be viewed as competition. Evaluate Northampton County's existing
               tourism infrastructure, facilities, amenities and services, and delineate their strengths,
               weaknesses and appropriateness for the heritage tourism markets identified.

               2. Interpretive Guidebook. Develop a'guidebook based       'on a coordinated heritage
               interpretation- (history, wildlife, recreation) and access program as the initial product of an
               overall marketing and interpretation strategy for Northampton County heritage      tourism.

               3. Heritage Trail. . Facilitate development of the Northampton County Heritage Trail linking
               all historic sites, villages and natural areas of the County as part of a Virginia Coast Heritage
               Trail and the interstate Ocean Heritage Highway being developed between New Jersey and
               Florida. Work with the   Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society to restore and reopen the
                                                                            J
               Eastville Inn as the visitor, cen ter for the Heritage Trail. Design and construct county
               gateways as part of the Trail development. Formulate a Corridor Management Plan to protect
               the long term integrity of the Trail and the County's: designated Virginia Scenic Byways.

               4. 4ffican-American Heritage Trail. Facilitate development of the Northampton County
               African-American Heritage Trail linking sites, structures and artifacts, associated with persons,,
               places, traditions, businesses, schools, churches-and other institutions of African-American
               heritage significant in thelife and development of Northampton County. The African-
               American Heritage Trail must be designed to: 1) celebrate and accurately portray the
               County's vital African-American heritage; 2) support sustainable economic development based
               on and supportive of this heritage;, 3) provide educational and recreational opportunities based
               on and supportive of this heritage; 4) promote the appreciation and understanding of the
               County's Africah-American culture and the individuat and collective contributions, sacrifices,
               vitality and dreams of Northampton's people of African-American descent - past and present;
               and 5) must foster wise stewardship of the County's African-American heritage as a living
               legacy for the ongoing benefit of future generations of all Northampton County people.
               Coordinate development and operation of the African -American, Heritage Trail with the
               overall Northampton County Heritage Trail, with other sites of African-American heritage
               throughout Virginia, and with America's Ocean Heritage. -Highway.

               5  Historic Settlements, Villages, and Towns.     Conduct an historic  survey-@and formulate a
               revitalization plan @or the County's historic settlements, villages and towns as the focal points

                                                               6-7









              for heritage tourism activities and related businesses and as the centers for community life.
              Titilize available funding opportunities and expertise, including those of the Virginia
              Department of Historic Resources, to augment local expertise.

              6. Community FestivalslEvents. Work with the chambers of commerce, town governments,
              community,grou  Ips to designate a County'wide festival coordinator and festival. coordinating*
              conu-nittee to organize and facilitate a continuous schedule of festivals and special events
              based on Northampton's heritage, and to promote these to markets off the Shore.

              7. Certified Local Government. Formulate a local Landm'arks@ Commission, historic
              preservation plan- and other requirements to obtain Certified Local Government status    from the
              Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Accredited Tourism Community status from
              the Virginia Division of Tourism to make funding available for preservation and heritage
              tourism development.

              8.* Appropriate Nature Tourism Access. Facilitate a memorandum        'of understanding between
              the County, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of
              Game and Inland Fisheries,;the U.S'. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy
              for a nature tourism plan that commits the  signatories to public access guidelines for
              recreational activities. The objective-k- to.. enhance tourism while protecting fragile
              ecosystems.

              9. Comprehensive Plan Review. Review the goals, objectives and policies of the
              Northampton County C*omprehensive Plan with the Planning Commission and Board of
              Supervisors to facilitate compliance with its spirit and intent in all County decisions.

              10. Community Workshops and Field Trips. Facilitate community workshops and field trips
              to involve the entire Northampton County community in 9pecific actions to develop the
              heritage tourism industry and protect natural and cultural assets.

              Actions to Support Work by Others
              1. Zoning Ordinance. Review the Zoning Ordinance currently being drafted and work with
              the Planning Commission to ensure inclusion of effective performance zoning provisions,
              incentives and criteria to foster the re-establishment of tow ns and villages as the focal points
              of community life and the location of new residential, commercial, and industrial
              development. Amend the Comprehensive Plan map and text if necessary to facilitate such
              zoning. The ordinance must facilitate mixed-use village centers with, restaurants, general
              stores, public. meeting plates, small parks/squares, small businesses, and residences. The
              ordinance must also contain provisions for protection and installation of vegetation in
              conjunction with development in order to maximize bird/wildlife habitat and the quality     of the
              County's waters which are essential to the heritage tourism industry. Foster increasingly
              cooperative relationships between the County and its incorporated towns and support zoning
              and other development tools which achieve town revitalization, development, and protection
              aspirations.


                                                             6-8








              2. Zoning Map. Review the Zoning Map currently being         drafted and work with the Planning
              Commission to ensure designation of towns and villages as the, focal points of residential,
              commercial, and industrial development to preserve and enhance the County's unique historic
              character and sense of place, wildlife habitat, and recreational water quality which are
              essential to developing and sustaining the heritage tourism industry.

              3. Year-Round Birding. Work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Birding Festival..
              Planning Committee to develop the County's bird-watching potential by supporting production
              of a guide to birding on the Eastern Shore, continuing the annual Eastern Shore Birding
              Festival centered at Kiptopeke, and providing. birding,oppo,rtunities and events to attract
              birders throughout the. year.

              4., Northampton County/Eastern Shore Experiences. Work with private businesses to develop
              opportunities for visitors to experience the authentic, preserved nat'ure, culture and history of
              Northampton County throughparticip4tion      in activities, such as seafood harvesting, fam-fing,
              birding, arts,.crafts, archaeology, research and exploration of the beaches, islands,'creeks, -
              bays, marshes,, villages and towns of the County.

              5. Tourism Infrastructure. Work with the Bed & Breakfast Association, Hotel & Restaurant.
              Association, chambers of commerce and'individual developers/operators. to foster development
              of quality authentic accommodations,. food service,. shopping, amenities,and other heritage
              tourism infrastructure.


              6. Community Hospitality Training. Work with chambers of commerce to cultivate, a
              hospitality training program for businesses, high schools'and cont.inuing'educaticin programs.

              Potential Future Actions
              I.,Cape Charles Excursions. Explore development of boat excursions to and from Cape
              Charles harbor to Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Crisfield, and other destinations.
              Work with the Town of Cape Charles. to develop the lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment
              and Town amenities, 'necessary to support such excursions.

              2. Cape Charles  'Waterfront R.evitaliza(ion. Explore development of the vacant Cape Charles
              Harbor land tract for historic waterfront development/ferry terminal and market place as the
              focus of a comprehensive Cape Charles revitalization
                                                                      program.

              3. Railroad Excursions. 'Explore development of historicall' -authentic excursion rail between
                                                                             y
              Cape Charles and Parksley, visiting Ea:st.ville, Naï¿½sawadox and other stations   in conjunction
              with oiher,herita& tourism activities  and experiences.

              4. Lower Seaside Boat Ramp. Explore       development of a boat ramp on the seaside at the
              lower end of the. County.




                                                              6-9









            5. Oyster, Willis Wharf Revitalization.   Facilitate cooperative local, state, federal, public,
            private, non-profit, and business, action to update and initiate revitalization plans which have
            been prepared for the villages of Oyster and Willis Wharf.



















































                                                            6-10





              Heritage Tourism Task Force
              focus on development'of the heritage tourism industry and protection of natural & cultural
              assets


              Task Force                                         Resource Persons
              Mr. Grayson Rogers"  Chair'man                     Mr. Scott Flickinger
              P. 0. Box 217                                      Kiptopeke State Park
              Nassawadox, Virginia 23413                         .3540 Kiptopeke Drive
              442-6518 (h)                                       Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
                                                                 331-3259 (o)
              Ms. Ginger Hale
              11502 Swan Drive                                   -Ms. Cathleen Ann Haines
              Machipongq, Virginia 23405                         217 Jefferson Avenue
              6.78-5604 (h) 442-6018 (o)                         Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
                                                                 331-2226
              Ms. Joyce Holland
              P.O. Box 15                                        Ms. Francis B. Latimer
              Nassawadox.,, Virginia 23413                       P.O. Box 746
              442-5262 (h) 442-6100 (o)                          Eastville, Virginia 23347
                                                                 678-7283 (h)
              Ms. Elizabeth Humphrey*
              P.O. Box 2045                                      Ms. Sarah Mabey
              Cheriton, Virginia 23316                           Virginia Division of Natural Heritage@
              331-3604 (h) 331-2622 (o)                          Main Street Station
                                                                 1500,East Main Street, Suite 312
              Mr. Marvin Lee                                     Richmond, Virginia 23219
              4405 Townsend Drive                                442-4762 (h) 331-4760 (o)
              P.O. Box 89
              Townsend, Virginia 23443                           Mi. David  Parker
              331-2713 (h)                                       Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
                                                                 P.O. Drawer R
              Ms. Jean Mihalyka                                  Melfa, Virginia 23410
              Cherry Core                                        787-2460 (o)
              Cheriton, Virginia 23316
              331-1627'(h)                                       Mr. Steve-Parker.
                                                                 The Nature Conservancy
              Ms. Virginia Savage                                P.O. Box, 158
              301 Mason Avenue                                   Nassawadox, Virginia 23413
              Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                       442-3049 (o)
              331-1079 (h)
                                                                 Mr. Kenneth Redizer
              Mr. Kevin Townsend                                 643 Ocean Highway
              3156 Sand Hills Drive                              Pocomoke-City, Maryland 21851
              Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
              331-4697 (h)                                       Mr. Sherman Stairs
                                                                 Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge
                                                                 5003 Hallett Circle
                                                                 Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
                                                                 331-2760 (o)






             Task- Force (continued),                            Resource Persons (continued)
             Mr. Giles C. Upshur, Jr.                            Ms. Karen Terwilliger
             4178 Wilsonia Neck Drive                            Virginia Department of Game
             Machipongo,'Virginia 23405                          and Inland Fisheries
             678-5297 (h)                                        P.O. Box 11104
                                                                 Richmond, Virginia 23230-11104
             Mr. Monty Webb                                      787-8378'(h) 367-6913/2211 (o)
             P.O. Box 104
             Jamesville, Virginia 23398                          Mr. John Verrill
             442-7915 (0)                                        Eastern Shore of Virginia
                                                                 Historical Society
             Mr. Frank Wendell                                   P.O. Box 193
             515 Monroe Av&nue                                   69 Market Street
             Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                        Onancock, Virginia 23417
             33@1-3264 (h)-331-2472 (o)                          787-8012 (o)

             Mr. George Young
             P.O. Box 966
             Exmore,.Vir,ginia, 23350
             442-9035 (h)





             *pending appointment by Board of Supervisors








                                                                         HERITAGE TOURISM INDUSTRY

                                                                             Porthampton County
                                                                        Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                                            .?RIORITY ACTIONS

                             PRIORITY ACTION           ASSIGNED TASK             ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS'                 ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS          START        COMPLETION
                                                       FORCE MEMBER          FY'93        FY'94        FY'95,       FY'93       FY'94        FY'95       DATE          DATE

                       1. Market Development



                       2. Interpretive Guidebook                             15,000


                       3, HeritageTrail


                       4. Historic -settlements,                            20,000

                       Villages and Towns.

                       5. Community Festivals/------

                       Events

                       6. Certified Local Govemment



                       7. Appiopriate Nature

                       Tourism Access

                       8. Comprehensive

                       Plan Review

                         Community Workshops

                       and Field Trips
                       'Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force
                       land approved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.











                                                                       HERITAGE TOURISM INDUSTRY

                                                                                        Northampton County
                                                                           Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                           ACTIONS TO SUPPORT WORK BY OTHERS


                             ACTIONS BY OTHERS          ASSIGNED TASK              ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS'                  ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS            START     COMPLETION
                                                        FORCE MEMBER           FY'93-       FY'94        FY'95        FY'9@       FY'94        FY'95       DATE          DATE

                       1. Zoning Ordinance



                       2. Zoning Mop



                       3. Year-Round Birding



                       4. Northampton County/

                       Eastern Shore Experiences
                       5, Tourism Infrastructure-



                       6. Community Hospitality

                       Training
                       *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. Fiscal.Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force

                       and a proved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.












                 Arts/Crafts/Local Products
                                             Indus',tr
                                                                   Y,@

                                             Northampton County
                                  Sustainable Development Action Strategy



                        Adopted by N orthampton County Board of Supervisors - June 28, 1994
                          Approved 'by Sustainable Development Task Force - May 17,  1994
                          Approved by Arts/Crafts/Loc'al Products Task Force May 17, 1994













                                                        7-1














































































                                                             7-2





              DEVELOP ARTS, CRAFTS AND LO                                                       ICA@ L
             "PRODUCTS INDUSTRY/
              PROTECT CULTURALLY-DIVERSE AND
              AUTHENTIC, COMMUNITY

              Mission & Goals
              Develop an authentic arts and crafts industry'which preserves, enhances and capitalizes on the
              artistic skills, talents and craftsmanship of the people of'Northampton County and passes
              them on to the next generation. This industry must be true to the people and place of
              Northampton  County, its natural and cultural heritage, and its, culturally-diverse Native
              American, African American and European American community. The industry must be
              encouraged to grow from the solid base of the County's natural and cultural heritage and
              must support and complement existing,and new local businesses.

              1. Identify and develop marketable products involving fine. art, folk art, carving, traditional
              and contemporary crafts, furniture, ceramics, textiles, quilts, needlepoint, clothing,
              plants/flowers, photography/film, specialty foods, and other locally-authentic products
              reflective of the people. and place of Northampton County and Virginia's Eastern Shore;

              2. Identify and develop marketable performing arts products inc'l uding music, story telling,
              theater, dance reflecfive of the people and place of Northampton County and Virginia's
              Easterh,Shore'.

              3. Identify and develop'pronusing markets' for Northampton County. arts/crafts/local products
              and facilitate development of a wholesale/retail marketing and distribution organization and
              facilities.


              4. Locate current and potential artisansland craftspersons and Organize them into an
              association capable of consistently producing product to meet market demand.

              5. Take advantage of local and visiting talent to develop classes, apprenticeships and other
              means to develop, multiply and pass on the artistic skills of proven and pronusing artisans,
              educate them in necessary businesses practices, and instill a continuing work ethic.

              6. Facilitate revitalization of the County's historic villages and towns as traditional mixed-use
              centers for in-home businesses, including studios and galleries, and to preserV6 the, county's -
              unique rural character and sepse of place..

              7. Establish Northampton County, as a location for the production and 'marketing of high
              quality arts/crafts/local products and as an attractive place for artists to live and work.

                                                            7_3







               8. Involve all of'Northampton County's people in the development of the arts/crafts/local
               products industry and in protecting the cultural diversity and community authenticity on
               which it depends.
               Industry Potential
               Nationwide, tourists generate $327 billion annually in sale's      revenues, and support* 5.8'5 million
               jobs, making travel and tourism the third largest retail sales industry in the U.S., according to
               the U.S. Department -of Agriculture'and the Center for Rural Revitalization and Community
               Development. The percent of the total tourist dollar spent on shopping is increasing.
               Marketing the arts/crafts/local products of the County can be one way to take advantage of
               this trend and help diversity Northampton's economic base.
               The US. Department of Agriculture and the Center for Rural Revitalization and Community
               Development reports that the majority of tourists visiting areas for their cultural and natural
               attractionsbuy local crafts and food products (in addition to meals). Nature and cultural
               touris'ts actively search out local crafts as they traVel. They prefer to visit the
               artist s/craftsman's studio to purchase work, but they also make,purchases at fairs, festivais',
               and historic sites. In addition to retail sale's associated with tourism, wholesale distribution'of
               arts/crafts is a large segment of the industry.

               'Production and sales of indigenous arts and crafts have proven to add signifi       cantly to rural
               economies with, similarities to Northampton. Although several craftspeople live and ply their
               trade in Northampton County, there is currently little in the way of an organized system for
               production and distribution of arts and crafts that would facilitate measuring current economic
               impact. -However, successful arts and crafts guilds and cooperatives in other communities
               suggest how a strong, and thriving arts/crafts/and local products industry could impr9ve the
               County's economy.

               One such cooperative is the Watermark Association of Artisans based in          ,coastal North
               Carolina. The Watermark cooperative,is a large association of 750 member-artisans'that
               -produces, markets,,and distributes, large volumes of hand-made baskets, quilts, decorative
               wooderi items, dolls, wreaths, and other items. In 1992, its 15th year in production,
               Watermark sales totaled $664,000, nearly 90% through their wholesale catalog outlet. The
               iotal irnpact,of Watermark on the rural Carnden County, North Carolina economy is more
               than $1 million annually.

               To fully develop and sustain the arts/crafts/local    products industry., Northampton County must
               ..consider the following assets, challenges, opportunities and threats.






                                                                 7-4









                 Assets
                 Key strengths supporting the successful development of the arts/crafts/local products industry
                 in Northampton:

                 o culturally'diverse and authentic coastal community;
                 0proud rural coastal heritage evident in the coun.ty's. character;
                 ostrong sense of place and historic identity;
                 6skilled local artisans and craftspersons;
                 o excellent ambient light quality and overall environment for artists;
                 oabundance of natural raw materials for mists;
                 ointerstate traffic through the County;
                 ounlimited opportunities for entrepreneurial.. endeavors.

                 Challenges,
                 The major roadblocks that must be overcome in the development of the   arts/crafts/local
                 products industry include:

                 0 lack of an outlet organization and accompanying facilities;
                 o zoning which prohibits mixed-use, residential/studio/gallery s ace within residence or
                                                                               p
                 requires spew,ai p&mission for "home occupations",
                 o few art/craft traditions other than furniture, carving;
                 o lack of entrepreneurial tidLation.'

                 Opp.ortunities
                 Activities/factors supporting development and sustainability of the afts/crafts/local products'
                 industry:

                 o large@ and growing national.demand for regionally- authentic, handmade art. and craft
                 products;
                 o demonstrated success of rural community-based wholesale/retail art/craft businesses;
                 o potential demand created by development of the heritage tourism- industry in the county;
                 o development of the Northampton County Heritage Trail;
                 o national demand for products can be met by mail-order/catalog  sales.

                 Threats
                 Current/potential activities/fact4irs that could prevent or destroy our ability to develop and
                 sustain the arts/crafts/local products industry:

                 opotential loss of the' county's unique identity as a place of preserved coastal heritage;
                 oloss of knowledge and skill to produce traditional artifacts unique to th e county and region;
                 odisappearance of historic towns and villages and historic retail buildings;
                 oincreasing strip commercial and suburban sprawl;
                 ocontinued lack of zoning consistent with art/craft studio.at artists home place;


                                                              7-5








              ototal eco,nomic develop   ment focus on recruiting from outside 'and corresponding lack of
              commitment to develop local -resources/industry from within.

              Actions
              Actions to develop and sustain the arts/crafts/local products industry     in Northampton by
              building on the County's assets, overcoming its challenges, taking advantage of opportunities
              and protecting against threats:

              Priority Actions
              1. Community Workshops and Field Trips. Facilitate community workshops and field trips
              to involve the community in specific actions to develop the arts/crafts/local products industry
              and to establish connections between schools, churches, service agencies, and arts
              organizations to put those who need jobs in touch with artisans/businesses who need workers.

              2. ProductslArtisanslFacilitie  slMarkets. Identify, inventory, and develop potential products,'
              artisans, sources of workers/artisans, existing facilities and potential markets for the industry.

              3. OrganizationIProductionIPromotion. Compile and evaluate business organization, process
              for production, catalogues/promotional materials of successful      arts/crafts/local products
              businesses.


              4' Eastville Revitalization. Work with- town leaders and citizens to create and implement an
              historically-authentic revitalization plan for the town of Eastville which focuses on the core of
              Eastville as a center for arts/crafts/local products'industry and related high quality heritage
              tourism-in its historic small-town scale. Following initiation of revitalization action for
              Eastville, pursue arts/crafts/loc'al prod'ucts opportunities through revitalization of other'towns
              and villages throughout Northampton County.

              Actions to Support Work by Others
              1. Zoning Ordinance. Review the Zoning Ordinance currently being drafted and work with
              the Planning Commission to.e'nsure inclusion of effective performance zoning provisions,
              incentives and criteria to foster the re-establishment of towns and villages as the focal points
              of community life and the location of new residential, commercial, and industrial,
              development. Amend the Comprehensive Planmap and text if necessary to facilitate such
              zoning. The ordinance must facilitate mixed uses and allow arts/crafts/local products,
              production, sales and marketing in association with residences without requiring special-use
              permits.

              2. Zoning Map. Review the Zoning Map currently being drafted and work With the Planning
              Commission to ensure designation of tow       ns and villages as the focal points of residential,
              commercial and industrial development to preserve and enhance the County's unique historic
              character and sense of place Which are essential to     developing and sustaining the
              arts/crafts/local products industry..

                                                                7-6








              3. WholesalelReta,il Association/Facilities. Support efforts by the Working Alliance of
              Virginia's Eastern Shore to develop a wholesale/retail association and facilities to
              cooperatively produce and market arts/crafts/local products.

              4. Educational ProkramsIFacilities. Support efforts by the Working Alliance of Virginia's
              Eastern Shore to provide. educational facilities and programs to train county residents in skills
              necessary to profitably produce arts/crafts/other local heritage. products for marketing and
              distribution by the association.

              5. Heritage Festi vail. Support the organization and, facilitation of an annual Northampton
              County Heritage Festival. Coordinate the Festival with other arts/crafts/local products and
              heritage tourism industry development actions and coordinate with promotional efforts of
              Virginia Heritage Tourism Weeks.

              6. Heritage Trail. Work with the Heritage Tourism Task Force to develop the Northampton
              County Heritage Trail and ensure its coordination with arts/crafts/local products industry
              development efforts.

              7-Economic Development Promotion. Work with.the Chambers of Commerce and,
              Economic Development Commission to include and/or feature the      arts/crafts/local products
              industry in local festivals, log6s, County profiles/vide.os, and other County and Eastern Shore
              promotional materials/activities.

              8. Arts Organizations. Support/coordinate efforts with the Eastern Shore Arts League   and
              *Spinners and Weavers Guild.
              9.- A' rt/Craft Tourism Award. W ork with local arts o--gainizat ions to organize an annual
              "Art/Craft Tourism Award" dinner and award presentations for persons/businesses with the
              greatest contributions to the arts/crafts/local products industry in Northampton County.

              '10. Annual ArtlCraft Day. Work with local arts organizations to-organize and facilitate a -
              tour of the County's art/craft/local products studios.















                                                            7-7






                Art/Crafts/Local Products Task Force
                focus'on development of the art/craftsfiocal products indush@ and protection of a
                culturally-diverse and authentic communio

                Task Force                                           Resource Persons
                Ms. Irene Walker, Chairman*                          Ms. Julie Parker
                P.O. Box 144                                         14070 Still Pond Lane
                Franktown, Virginia 23354                            Belle Haven, Virginia 2330.6
                442-2431 (h/o)                                       442-5501(h/o)

                Ms. Jane Cabarrus
                                                                     Ms. Ava McMillan
                P.O. Box 511.                                        Northampton Economic
                Nassawadox, Virginia 23413                           Empowerment Corporation
                442-4023 (h) 442-8000 (o)                            P.O. Box 814
                                                                     Nas'sawadox, Virginia 23413
                Ms. Barbara Brown*,                                  442-4509 (o)
                515,Jefferson Avenue
                Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                         Ms. Janet C. Whitehead
                331-2951'(h) 787-3532 (o)                            Dexma Services
                                                                     Box 872
                Ms. Mary Miller*                                     Eastville, Virginia 23347
                The Old Rectory                                      678-5017 (h)
                Eastville, Virginia 23,347
                678-7532 (o/h)                                       Ms. Francis B. Latimer
                                                                     P.O. Box 746
                Ms. Thelma Jarvis Peterson*                          Eastville.' Virginia'23447
                5180 Thistlebriar @.ane                              678-7283 (h)
                Machipongo, Vir,,,*,aia 23405
                678-5037 (h/o)


                Ms. Ionthe Rhodes*
                P.O. Box 846
                Eastville, Virginia 23347
                678-5760 (h)

                Mr. Danhof F. Vandyke*
                P.O. @ox 737
                Eastville, Virginia 23347
                678-7127 (h)


                Ms. Ida Williams*
                P.O. Box 236
                Eastville,,.Virginia, 23.347
                6781-5452 (h)
                                              *pending ap -ointme  .nt by Board of Supervisors
                                                           p











                                                         ARTS/CR.AFTS/LOCAL, PRODUCTS I-NDUSTRY
                                                                                        Northampton County
                                                                           Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                                                  PRIORITY ACTIONS



                             PRIORITY'ACTION            ASSIGNED TASK               ESTIAMTED SAMP FUNDS*                   ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS             START      COMPLETION

                                                        FORCE MEMBER           FY'93         FY'94         FY'95        FY'93        FY'94'                    DATE          DATE

                      1. Community Workshops

                      and Field Trips

                      2. Pfoducts/Artisons/

                      Facilities/Markets.

                      3. Organization/production/

                      Promotion

                      4. Eastville Revitalization



                      *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA.   Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force

                      and approved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.






                                                           ARTS/CRAFTS/LOCAL. PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
                                                                                           Northampton County
                                                                             Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                             ACTIONS TO SUPPORT WORK BY OTHERS


                              ACTIONS BY OTHERS            ASSIGNED TASK              ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS'                   ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS              START     COMPLETION

                                                           FORCE MEMBER           FY'93        FY'94         FY'95        FY'93        FY'94         FY'95       DATE          DATE

                         1. Zoning Ordinance



                         2. Zoning Map



                         3. Wholesale/Retail Association

                         Facilities

                         4. Educations Programs/

                         Facilities

                         5. Heritage Festival                                     3,000


                         6. Heritage Trail



                         7. Economic Development

                         Promotion

                         8. Art Organizations



                         9. Art/Craft Tourism Award



                         10. Annual Art/Craft Day
                         *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have bee!) approved by NOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Develo[@r.-nt Task Force

                         and approved by Boar of Supervisors and NOAA.











                         Research                            Education
                                             Industry.

                                              Northampton County
                                   Su,s.tainable Development Action Strategy



                         Adopted by Northampton County Board of Supervisors - June 28,.1994
                           Approved by Sustainable Development Task. Force - -May 17'1994
                            Approved by Research & Education Task Force - May 17,1994

















                                                         8-1










































































                                                             8-2






                DEVELOP RESEARCH AND
                EDUCATION INDUSTRY/
                PROTECT NATURAL, AND CULTURAL
                S,YSTEMS

                Mission & Goals
                Promote and integrate Northampton County's research & education industry and protect and
                enhance the human, cultural and. natural resources on which it  relies.

                1. Take full advantage of research activities. occurring in Northampton to improve*.the
                County's econornyand the quality of life of all of its people.

                2. Ensure provision'of necessary  services and support to researchers and research institutions
                to facilitate the full development and ongoing sustainablility of 'research and education in the
                County.

                3. Provide educational experiences involving research activities occurring 'in the County and
                utilizing Northampton's :X.'t1t,..-al and natural resources to, enrich the lives of local resid&nts
                and visitors.


                4. Provide opportunities for local-students to, be exposed to and participate with scientists and
                institutions from around the world engaged in research activities in Northampton County.

                5. Take full advantage of research activities 'occurring in Northampton to support sustainable
                development -of new and existing County industries, including agriculture,
                seafood/aquaculture, heritage tourism, arts/crafts/local products, research & education, and
                value-added produce, and seafood.

                6. Maintain and. promote Northampton County as a rare. community of intact coastal
                natural/cultural systems in which to engage. in pure and applied scientific research.

                7. Involve the entire local community in the. development and ongoing management of the
                research and education industry in Northampton County.
                industry Potential
                Research and education activities. currently bring significant new dollars.into Northampton
  t
                County. Total known research expenditures in, the. county in  1992 amounted to about
                $377,500 and supported 25 local jobs.,,,These expenditures generated $691,200 in direct,
                indirect, and induced economic impacts. Much of the. imp-act now felt from research activities


                                                               8-3









             in the. county is from associated spending by researchers during their stay in the county.
             In 1992, there were seven reported research groups active in the county spending over 5,900
             research days.

             Northampton C   ounty is an ideal location for specialized research requiring the presence of
             relatively unspoiled coastal natural and cultural systems which are beconuing increasingly- rare
             throughout the world. For example, the importance of Northampton County for resident and
             migrating birds has generated much interest among researchers at nearby universities and
             research institutions. The unique hydrogeology of the Eastern Shore has also generated
             research activity in the County. Efforts of the Long Term Ecological Research Center
             headquartered in Oyster and the research activities of numerous institutions and agencies
             within the County demonstrate the significant potential for research and education in
             Northampton.

             Research and education activities in Northampton County have the potential to be
             significantly expanded beyond current levels. Old Dominion University, in.cooperation with
             the Nature Conservancy, announced in 1993 its intentions to establish the Virginia'Coast
             Institute, a research facility dedicated to the applied study of sustainable development-. If. this
             research facility evolves into a large center sponsored by a consortium of universities and
             other research concerns, its impact. on the community could be substantial.

             in addition to pure research activities, adult education programs hold significant potential to
             bring income to the County in the support of jobs, revenue and improved quality of life.

             To fully develop and sustainthe research and education industry, Northampton County must
             consider the following assets, challenges, opportunities and thre..Ls.

             Assets
             Community strengths supporting development and ongoing sustainability of the    research and
             education industry:

             o the County's intact natural and cultural systems which permit individual research efforts to,
             be understood and applied within.their larger natural and cultural context;
             o Virginia Coast World Biosphere' Reserve;
             o migratory bird concentration area;
             o historic settlement pattern;
             o Long Term Ecological Research Stati   on;
             o Kiptopeke Bird Banding Station and Raptor Observatory-,
             o research activitie's of numerous institutions and agencies;.
             o local experts on the waterways and resources cif the County;
             o community's stated commitment to becoming a world model for sustainable development.





                                                           8-4








                 Challenges
                 Constraints that must-be overcome to fully develop    and sustain the research and education,
                 industry in Northampton County    include:

                 olack of an umbrella institution physically located within the County to-coordinate the
                 breadth of potential research and education activities;                      I I %                ..
                 o lack of existing labs, classrooms, offices, and housing facilities to support increased
                 activities;

                 Opportunities
                 Activities/situations with potential to build on our assets and overcome our liabilities to
                 develop and sustain  the industry:

                 o.efforts of The nature Conservancy and Old Dominion University to establish the Virginia
                 Coast Institute for Sustainable Development;
                 o available vacant school and commercial buildings within the County's towns and villages
                 which could possibly house labs, offices, classrooms, and other necessary facilities;
                 o Local-Legacy program and Broadwater Institute for'Natural Science;
                 o -local waterm'en and other experts on local resources who could,serve    as guides and
                 interpreters.

                 Threats
                 Factors that could prevent or destroy our  ability to develop  and,sustain the research and
                 education industry:

                 o the County's, current vulnerability to suburban sprawl, strip conunercial   and unplafined
                 waterfront development, common throughout the U.S. aad in virtually all coastal areas. Such
                 common, "anywhere U,SA" development would irreparably degrade the County's natural and
                 cultural systems and, thus their usefulness as..a research and. education model..

                 Actions
                 Actions to develop and sustain the research and education industry in Northampton by
                 building on-the County's' assets, overcoming its liabilities, taking advantage of -opportunities
                 and protecting against threats:

                 Priority Actions
                 1. ResearchlEducation InforTation      Cefiter. Establish an ongoing, County-wide center to
                 collect and- maintain informationon research activities currently underway in the County and
                 the results of research which has previously occurred. Maintain results in a library/data base -
                 available for use by local residents, students and businesses, and by current and potential
                 researchers. Structure this information center, to:
                 o facilitate the involvement of researchers in local school and  adult education programs;


                                                                 8-5








              0 involve local school students   and visiting adult education  students in research activities  as
              appropriate;
              o provide local residents with job and business opportunities to provide research support
              services and supplies;
                                                         itters, interpreters, educators, other resource persons
              0 coordinate available local guides, outf
              with educational program needs/opportunities.

              2. National Adult Education Piograms.       Establish Northampton County as a prime location
              for short-term field st*udies,, camps, workshops, hostels for adult and youth education
              programs involving a comprehensive array of studies based on the County's natural and
              cultural resources. An unlimited offering of studies is possible, including archaeology, history,
              ecology, marine biology, migratory birds, photography involving organizations currently
              engaged in such programs, including The National Audubon Society, World Watch, the
              National Wildlife Federation, Elder Hostel, The Nature Conservancy and others. These
              programs will actively involve local residents, as well as visitors and will focus on active
              -exploration of the natural and cultural resources of Northampton County. They will be
              designed to provide business opportunities for private local outfitters and entrepreneurs.

              3. ResearchlEducation Facilities. Facilitate development of meeting, classroom, laboratory,
              office, lodging, retreat and other facilities to support existing. and new research and education
              activities in, Northampton County. Locate these primarily in the County's historic settlements,
              villages and towns'. and utilize existing. vacant structures to the maximum extent possible.

              4. Promotional Materials. Develop a promotional program and materials to attradt researchers
              to Northampton County. Coordinate promotional materials with efforts to promote heritage
              tourism, arts/crafts/local products and other County industry.

              5. Geiographic Information System. Work with the Long Term Ecological Research Center
              (LTER) headquartered in Oyster to establish, maintain and access a comprehensive
              gQographically-priented data base (GIS) for Northampton County.-Utilize the County's GIS
              system set up by the Virginia EcoMAPS program as the initial base for the system.

              Actions to Support Work by Others
              1. Sustainable Development Institute. Support development of the Virginia Coast Institute as
              a partnership of Old Dominion University, the Nature Conservancy and the County. Explore
              opportunities to involve the local community and local schools, businesses and citizens in the
              work of the Institute.
              2. Legacy ProgramlBroadwater Institute.       Support and work'with the Northampton County
              Schools Legacy, program, and Broadwater Academy's. Broadwater Institute of Natural
              Science, and other opportunities to integrate research and education activities with the local
              schools.





                                                               8-6







                Research-                  Education Task Force.
                focus on development of the research & education indust7y and protection of natural &
                cultural systems

                Task F6rce.                                         Resource Persons
                Ms. Lenora Mitchell., Chairman                      Dr. Fiege
                309 Tazewell, Avenue                                Eastern Shore Community College
                Cape Charles,, Virginia 23310                       29300 Laiikford Highway
                331-4061 (h)                                        Melfa, Virginia 23410
                                                                    787-5900 (o)
                Mr. B. R. "Dusty" Rhodes, Vice Chairman*
                P. 0. Box 846                                       Dr. Dawn Goldstein
                Eastville, Virginia 23341.                          Northampton County Schools
                678-5760 (h)                                        Eastville, Virginia 23347
                                                                    678-5151. (o)
                Ms.'Beth Humphrey, Secretary*
                P.O. Box 2045                                       Ms. Sarah Mabey
                Cheriton, Virginia 23316                            Virginia Division of Natural Heritage
                331-3640 (h) 331-2622 (o)                           Main 9treet Station
                                                                    1500 East Main St  'reet, Suite 312
                Rev. Harry Crandall*                                Richmond, Virignia 23219
                P.O. Box 1010                                       44274761 (h) 331-4760 (o)
                Eastville, Virginia 23347
                678-5642 (h).678-7837 (o)                           Mr. John Ordeman
                                                                    29404 Beacon Road
                                                                    Melfa.' Virginia*23410
                                                                    787-8078 (h)

                                                                    Ms. Terry Thompson
                                                                    The Nature Conservancy
                                                                    P.O. Box 15@
                                                                    Nassawadox, Virginia 23413
                                                                    4423049(o)

                *pending appointment by Board pf Supervisors












                                                                      RESEARCH & EDUCATION INDUSTRY
                                                                                               Northampton County
                                                                                 Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                                                         -PRIORTY ACTIONS



                                PRIORITY ACTIONS             ASSIGNED TASK                ESTIMATED SAMP    FUNDS.                   ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS                START    COMPLETION

                                                             FORCE MEMBER            FY'93          FY'94          FY'95         FY'93         FY'94         FY'9'        DATE           DATE

                         1. Research/Education

                         information Center

                         2. National Adult

                         Education Programs

                         3. Reserach/Education

                         Facilities
                         4. Promotional f@aterials-


                         5. Geographic Informati                                     20,000

                         System
                         *FiIscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA.     Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommencle   ,d by the @ustainable Development Task Force
                         and approved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.














                                                                  RESEARCH & EDUCATION INDUSTRY

                                                                                          Northampton County
                                                                            Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                             ACTIONS TO SUPPORT WORK -BY OTHERS


                              ACTIONS BY OTHERS           ASSIGNED TASK              ESTIMATED SAMP FUNDS'                  ESTIAMTED OTHER FUNDS            START     COMPLETION-

                                                          FORCE MEMBER          FY'93         FY'94        FY'95        FY'93        FY'94        FY'96       DATE         DATE

                         1. Sustainable Development

                         Institute

                         2. Legacy Program/

                         Broadwater Institute

                         *Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable D v lo ment Task Force

                         and approved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA,











                                        New. Industry
                                               Northampton. County
                                    Sustainable Development A,ction Strategy



                          Adopted by Northampton County Board of Super-visors - June 28, 1994
                            Approved by Sustainable Development [email protected] Force - May 17, 1994
                                  Approved by New Industry Task Force - May 17, 1994

















                                                          9-1















































































                                                              9-2






                DEVELOP NEW INDUSTRY/
                PROTECT SENSE, OF, PLACE9 QUALITY
                OF LIFE, AND GROUNDWATER

                Mission & Goals
                Foster development 'of new sustainable industry in Northampton County   and protect the sense
                of place, quality of life, groundwater, and other assets vital to new industry creation and
                ongoing success. These industries must:

                1. Create new well-paying jobs with benefits and career advancement opportunities; jobs
                which provide a decent standard of living for all Northampton County citizens and which
                challenge and retain the youth,of the community'

                2. Provide new locally-pwned business and entrepreneurial opportunities, and promote
                growth of existing businesses.

                3. Create a local industrial'.tax base to provide public revenue to support. adequate
                government services.

                4. Diversify the County' s economic base and be compatible with the County's developing
                sustainable industries of agriculture, seafood/aquaculture, heritage', tourism, value-added
                produce/seafood, resea.rch/education, and arts/crafts/local products.

                5. Ensure the Protection and.sustainable use of the natural and- cultural assets upon which the
                County'-- cngDi:-@g economy and continued quality of life depend.,
                Industry Poiential
                Promising opportunities'exist for Northampton County to develop new industries which
                provide well-paying jobs with benefits, provide a diversified tax base, improve the quality of
                life of the County's peopl@ and retain.its young people as they enter the work,force. Efforts
                must include development of new local industry and retainment, of existing industry as well As
                recruiting relocation and expansion of appropriate industries to the County.

                If the community is to be successful in developing, recruiting and sustaining new industry, it
                must preserve and enhance its valuable competitive advantages including its unique character
                and sense of place, its quality of life, its natural environment, as well as,many other assets.
                Schools must be kept at high levels. Limited-but-adequate groundwater must be protected and
                managed wisely. Infrastructure must be improved and developed to enhance our advantages
                for attracting and developing new business and industry.


                                                             9-3









              To fully develop and sustain new industry, Northampton County must consider the, following
              assets, challenges, opportunities and, thream!

              Assets
              Community strengths supporting the successful development and sustainablifity of new
              industry in Northampton County include:

              o the young people of our community;
              o the experienced, skilled retirees of our community;
              o unique sense'of place and preserved rural, coastal America image;
              o proximity to large urban markets of Tidewater Virginia and East Coast cities;
              o good intermodal transportation access via the Eastern Shore Railroad, Cape -Charles Port,
              U.S.. Highway 13 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel;
              o available work force;
              o excellent community college for education and training, but located in Accomack 'County;
              o new state* of-the-art county school facilities;
              o research facilities of National Science Foundation, U inversity of Virginia;
              o Cape Charles water and wastewater treatment facilities;
              o sound, vacant buildings in Cape Charles, Exmore and throughout the Counfy;
              o high, quality of life, including scenic beauty, preserved coastal location, clean environment;
              o small-town rural living, quiet,,sldwer pace of life;
              o farming, fishing;
              o historic villages and towns, no suburbs;
              o -low crime rate;
              o violent crime almost non-existent;
              o cultural/racial dive 'rsity;
              o outdoorrecreation opportunities, including parks, wildlife, beaches, boating, fishifig;
              o community recreation programs,. youth sports programs;
              o community theater productions;
              o large number and diversity of churches;
              o sense of community
              o Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital;
              o Emergency Medical Service;
              o commitment of community to maintain and improve its unique character and quality of life.

              Challenges
              Community weaknesses that must be overcome to develop'and sustain new industry:

              o limited professionally-skilled labor due to lack of opportunities;
              o low educational attainment rate of population;
              o out-nugration of young people and accompanying loss of skill, energy and talent;
              o adequate-but-limited supply of fresh water (groundwater);
              o limited wastewater treatment facilities;
              o substandard housing stock and lack of adequate housing due to limited income;

                                                                9-4









                Q limited amenities;
                oJimited cultural activities, limited local library facilities;
                o lack of first-class resta'urant and lodging;
                o lack of adequate meeting/conference facilities;
                o limited shopping facilities.

                Opp ortunities
                Current/potential activities that could begin or enhance the development and sustainability of
                new industry:

                0 sound, vacant buildings in Cape Charles, Cheriton. Exmore, Eastville,,Nassaw.adox and other
                locations throughout the County. available to house business and industrial operations;
                o current efforts to begin development of Cape Charles marine terminal/industrial park;
                o draft groundwater protection ordinance ready for finalization and adoption;
                o vacant, developable land adjacent to Cape Charles Harbor and within each town;
                0 rail transportation to both north and south" terminals
                O@fully-planned industrial park waiting on implementation;
                o available local, state and federal industrial development incentives;
                o local coordinator for industrial development available to County staff;
                o experienced, skilled retirees willing to provide volunteer services to the community;

                Threats
                Current/potential activities that could prevent or destroy our ability to develop and sustain
                new industry:'

                o creation of a large and growing segment of the County population which'is dependent-,on
                services @ but is not'contributing to a productive community;
                o. nonAescript !'anywhere U.S.A.."' suburban sprawl subdivisions, and resultant loss of unique
                product/corporate imago, increase in taxes, cost of services and overall cost of- living,
                reduction in quality of life, and undue competition and cost for limited fresh water supply-'
                o strip, commercial development of Route 13 and resultant compromise of interstate
                transportation capacity/desirability and compromise of unique community character;
                9 improper wastewater treatment and resultant contamination of water and loss of pristine
                image to market products;
                o continued erosion of tax base leading, to an ever increasing tax burden on local residents
                and businesses;
                o continued exodus of young   people to other communities due to lack of good jobs;
                o loss of talent, intellect, energy and leadership of our most valuable natural resource - our
                young.people.







                                                              9-5







           '"Actions
              Actions to develop and   sustain new  industry in  Northampton.by building on the      County's
              assets, overcoming its liabilities, taking advantage of opportunities and protecting against
              threats:


              Priority Actions
              1. Potential Industry. Formulate criteria for new sustainable industries/products    in
              Northampton County and identify and evaluate specific opportunities and constraints for
              development   of such industries. Evaluate examples of potential    industries as case studies.


              2. Existing Industrial Infrastructure. Inventory and.evaluate Northampton County's'
              existing infrastructure, facilities, buildings, sites, amenities and services, and delineate their
              strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness for development and support of the industries
              demonstrated in Action I above.


              3. Sustainable Industry Development. Facilitate development.of industries/products and
              required sIervices, facilities and infrastructure. Develop asset-protection measures to ensure
              sustainability. Develop 4 budget for implementation and identify potential funding sources.

              4. Development/Protection Coordination. Coordinate developmetitof new sustainable
              industries with development and protection strategies being formulated/implemented for the
              County's existing/developing sustainable industries and their vital resources:
              o  agriculture industry/productive land;
              9  seafood, aquaculture industry/water quality;
              o  heritage tourism industry/natural and cultural resources;
              o  arts, crafts, local products industry/culturally-diverse and authentic community;
              o  research & education industry/natural and cultural systems;
              o  value-added produce, seafood/groundwater

              5. Community Involvement. Involve the Northampton County Community, its incorporated
              towns., and appropriate groups, organizations and agencies throughout the, process of new
              industry development.

              o Community Workshop One. Immediately cosponsor, with the Board of Supervisors, a
              community workshop to involve national industry development leaders and the community at
              the outset of the effort to create and develop new sustainable industry. (Workshop to be held
              on June 14, 1994)

              o Community Workshop Two. Facilitate a second community workshop upon completion of
              Actions I 'and 2 to present results to the community and involve citizens in implementation of
              action three.




                                                               9-6







                 o.New Industry Field Trips. Facilitate field,trips to evaluate promising  industry proposals and
                 potential industrial sites/facilities.

                 6'. 'PublicationsIPromotionallEducationaI Materials.
                 Publish the new industry development strategy and its results in    a format for effective
                 dissemination to the public. Produce  .a poster with maps, photos', drawings, sustainable
                 development actions. This poster will be designed to    be distributed as an insert in the
                 Eastern Shore News.


                 Actions to Support Work by'Others
                 1. Zoning Ordinance. Review the Zoning Ordinance currently being drafted and work with
                 the Planning Commission to ensure inclusion of effective performance zoning provisions,
                 incentives and criteria to foster the re-establishment of towns and villages as the focal poi
                                                                                                               ints
                 of community. life and the location, of new@ sustainable industry, as well as residential and
                 conunercial development. Amend the Comprehensive Plan
                                                                               map and text if necessary to
                 facilitate such zoning. The ordinance must, facilitate mixed uses and dllow/encour'age industry
                 designed, situated and at a scale appropriate -to the village or town in which it is to be
                 located.

                 2.ZoningMap. Review the Zoning Map currently being drafted and work with the. Planning
                 Commission to ensure, designation of towns and villages as the focal points of industrial,
                 commercial and residential development to preserve and enhance the County's unique-historic
                 character and,sense of place which are essential to developing and sustaining new County
                 industry.'

                 3. Cape Charles Marine TerminallIndustrial Park. Work with the Town of Cape Charles,
                 the Eastern Shore  Railroad, the Economic Development Conunission, the Cape Charles and
                 County industrial  development authorities, and others to develop the,Cape Charles Marine
                 Terminal and related industrial facilities and infrastructure. to serve sustainable industry.

                 o pursue designation by the"Town of Cape Charles and Northampton County as a Community
                 Investment Area with meaningful local tax and other incentives for private development-.
                 o pursue, designation by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an Enterprize Zone with
                 corresponding state incentives for private development;
                 o pursue designation by the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Duty Free Port with
                 corresponding federal incentives for. private development.
                 o pursue private investment in development of the, facility.

                 4. Enterprise Community. Support community efforts to designate, portions of,,Northampton
                 and Accomack Counties as an Enterprise Community by the President's, Community
                 Enterprise Board facilitated,by the U.S'. Departments of Agriculture and Housing & Urban
                 Dev ,elopment. As part of the Enterprise Community process, participate in development and
                 implementation of a long range, comprehensive strategic plan for the attainment of a
                 sustainable community.


                                                                 9-7








             5. Revolving Loan Fund. Support   the Northampton Economic Empowerment Corporation in
             obtaining available grants to develop a revolving loan fund for start up of business
             enterprises.

             6. Groundwater Protection Ordinance. Work with-, the Planning Commission in review and
             adoption of a county Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone as paxt of the County Zoning
             Ordinance in order to protect the quality of our limited supply of fresh water.

             7. Route 13 Corridor Protection. Work with the Virginia Department of Transportation and'
             the Planning Commission to preserve the US Highway 13 corridor for limited access
             transportation. Avoid strip development.

             8. EducationIVocatioiiallProfessionaI Training. Support the work of Northampton County
             Schools and Eastern Shore Community College to provide quality vocational/professional
             training to provide a labor force. with the skills to meet the needs of Northampton business
             and industry. Support the work of these schools to provide a high quality education program
             to develop students to be contributing members of the local community.

             9. Adequate Housing, Services, Amenities. Support work of, Northampton Housing Trust,
             Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Habitat for Humanity, World
             Changers and other groups and private developers to ensure adequate affordable housing,
             services and amenities for all County residents and to meet the needs of prospective.
            .,businesses and their families.


             10. Water Research., Support continued research to support sound protection and management
             of ground and surface water quality and quantity.





















                                                         9-8




                New Industry Jask Forc'e
                focus on development of new industry and protection 'o
                                                                       f sense of place, quality of life and
                groundwater-


                Task Force                                         Resource Persons
                Ms. Beth Williams,, Chairnian                      Mr. Dennis Ackerman
                P.O. Box-814                                       Business Department
                Nassawadox, Virginia 23413                         Old Dominion I(Jniversity
                442-4509, (o)                                      5105 Holy Road
                                                                   Virginia Beach, Virgin.ia-23451
                Mr. John W. Nottingham, Jr.." Viee Chariman*       683-3000 (o)
                27M5 Arlington Road
                Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                       Mr. Jack Bonniwell
                33 1 -@602 (h)                                     Virginia Employment Commission
                                                                   P.O. Box 545
                Mr. Charles Bell                                   Exmore, Virginia 23350
                P.O. Box 554                                       @442-6176 (o)
                tastville, Virginia 23347
                678-7586 (h) 331-4897  (Q)                         Ms. Darlene Burton
                                                                   Accomack-Northampton
                Mr. Arthur Pawling*                                Planning District
                Shepherd'- Choice                                  P.O. Box 417
                8xmore, Virginia 23350                             Accomac, Virginia 23301.
                442-4060 (h)                                       678-7755 (o)

                Mr. Gordon Putman'                                 Mr. Daniel de' Lima
                61,66 Winter Rose Court                            'BioProteus, Inc.
                Exmore, Virginia.23350                             P.O. Box 73,
                442-4032 (h/o)'                                    Hacks Neck, Virginia 23358
                                                                   442-9543 (o)
                Ms. Margaret Vass
                6552 Saltworks Road                                Mr. Paul G. Hawken
                Exmore, Virginia 23350                             20 South 40 Pier
                442-2797 (h)                                       Sausalito, California'94965
                                                                   (415) 332-5124, (o) Fax: (415) 332-7933
                Mr. Frank Wendell
                515 Monroe Avenue,                                 Mr. James McGowan
                Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                       Accomack-Northampton
                331-3264 (h) 331-2472 (o)   -                      Planning District
                                                                   P.O. Box 417
                Mr. John W. White, Sr.                             Accomac, Virginia 23301
                I Randolph Avenue,                                 678-7755 (o)
                P.O. Box 202
                Cape Charles, Virginia 23310                       Mr. Vanlue Morgan
                331-3122 (h) 678-0440 (o)                          County of Northampton
                                                                   P.O. Box 66
                                                                   Eastville, Virginia 23347
                                                                   678-0444 (o)
                *pending appointment,by Board of Supervisors'












                                                                                      NEW INDUSTRY
                                                                                        Northampton County
                                                                          Sustainable Development Action. strategy
                                                                                  PRIORITY ACTIONS


                              PRIORITY ACTION            ASSIGNED TASK              ESTI ATED SAMP FUNDS'                  ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS             START.    c6mPLETION

                                                         FORCE MEMBER          FY'93        FY'94         FY'95        FY'93        FY'94:       FY'95       DATE          DATE

                       1. Potential Industry                                   5,000



                       2. Existing Industrial

                       Infastructure

                       3. Sustainable Industry,

                       Development

                       4. Development/

                       Protection Coordination

                       5. Community Involvement
                       6. Publications/Promotionq_
                       Educational Materids
                       'Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force

                               roved by Bocird of Supervisors and NOAA.
                       and ap








                                                                                        NEW INDUSTRY
                                                                                         Northampton County
                                                                            Sustainable Development Action Strategy
                                                             ACTIONS TO SUPPORT WORK BY OTHERS


                              ACTIONS BY OTHERS           ASSIGNED TASK              ESiIMATED SAMP FUNDS.                 ESTIMATED OTHER FUNDS             START   COMPLETION

                                                          FORCE MEMBER          FY'93        FY'94         FY'95       FY'93        FY'94        FY'95       DATE          DATE

                          IZoning Ordinance-



                          2. Zoning Map



                          3. Cape Charles Marine



                          4. Enterprise Community



                          5.Revolving Loan Fund



                          6. Groundwater Protection

                          Ordinance

                          7. Route 13 Corridor

                          Protection

                          8. Education /Vocationsl

                          Professional Training

                          9. Adequate Housing, Services,

                          Amenities

                          10. Water Research
                          Fiscal Year 1993 Funds have been approved by NOAA. -Fiscal Year 1994 and 1995 Funds are to be recommended by the Sustainable Development Task Force
                          land approved by Board of Supervisors and NOAA.




 V














                                                         CU                S,
                    F.PuInda.tion Do'                          ment

                                       Northampton County
                             Sustainable Deve.lopment Action Strategy





















                                                10-1






                 Foundation Documents
                 The Sustainable Development Action Strategy is based on the foundation of          four'key
                 documents created by the Northampton community in recent years: Beaches, Islands,             Marshes
                 and Woodlands, Northampton County Comprehensive Plan, Blueprint for Economic Growth,
                 and Special Area Management Plan. The Action Strategy. isin conformance with the spirit,,
                 'Jetter and intent of each of these documents and specifically implements all or part of each of
                 them. These documents are appended to the Action Strategy.

                 Beaches, Islands, Marshes and Woodlands
                 Beaches, Islands, Marshes and Woodlands: the Outdoor Recreatiore Plan on Virginia's
                 Eastern Shore was developed cooperatively in 1987 by'Northampton            County, the
                 Commonwealth of Virginia, the United States Fish & Wildlife. Service, and the          Nature
                 Con serv.ancy. The planincludes objectives for recreational development and resource
                 conservation in the@ County. Several of the specific actions of the Sustainable Development.
                 Action Strategy, such as birding festivals and a heritage trail were initially conceptualized in
                 Beaches, Islands, Marshes and Woodlands.

                 Northampton County Comprehensive Plan
                 Although it does not use the term, the County Comprehensive Plan is a declaration of
                 sustainability. The Plan states:

                 Therefore, it shall be the development policy of Northampton County to promote agriculture,
                 seafood,  touri.sm, and -compatible industries; to protect and enhance its fragile envi    .ronment,,
                 natural resources and rural character while permitting environmentally compatible economic
                 growth and improvement to the cultural and socio-economic well being.of its citizens both
                 present and future.

                 The Comprehensive Plan's five goals are to:

                 1. Conserve the   County's natural resources.
                 2. Preserve the County's rural character.
                 3'. Pursue economic self-sufficiency for all Northampton County citizens.
                 4. Provide an adeqpate'level of public services for all Northampton citizens...
                 5. Pursue and establish a diversified economic base by supporting agriculture, seafood
                 production, tourism and industry compatible with the goals and objectives of Northampton
                 County's Comprehensive Plan.

                       'be clearly seen that the Sustainable Development, Action Strategy rrus@ion and initial
                 It can
                 target industries came directly from the. Comprehensive Plan.'Further, the Strategy programs
                 specific actions aimed Alt achievement of the Comprehensive Plan goals.





                                                                  10-3








                develop specific "enforceable policies" for protection and management of its doastal resources.
                All of the required enforceable policies are called for in the Action Strategy, The Strategy
                puts these policies into' the context of the sustainable development of existing and new
                industry, in specific, and the entire local economy, in general.

                The SAMP was developed by representatives' of the County staff and Planning Commission,
                and several state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations in cooperation with the
                Virginia Council on the Environment's Coastal Resources Management Program. To carry out
                its objectives, the SAMP called for a partnership involving all levels of government,
                community groups,', nonprofit organizations, and all local citizens.

                NOAA committed $700,000 over four years to implement the Northampton County SAMP
                under a sectionOf the federal Coastal Zone Management Act requiring      no state or local
                matching funds. The Virginia Coastal Program competed for these funds nationally and while
                many coastal states proposed SAMPs,'only three Wiere funded and Northampton County's
                received the largest-award. NOAA was impressed with the County's economic component and
                its commitment to protect and capitalize, on its coastal resources to overcome its severe
                poverty. The agency is investing.in Northampton in the hope that it will model for the nation.
                a community which   Iis, creating a sustainable, environmentally compatible local, economy
                which protects and capitalizes on its resources for the ongoing benefit of all of its people. As
                the impleiftentation mechanism@ for SAMP, the SAMR funds will be allocated through the
                Sustainable Development Action strategy. The complete text of the Special Area Management
                Plan is -appended to the Action Strategy.



























                                                               10-5









                                                                                                                                OAA COASTAL SERVICES CTS LIBRARY



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