The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Lake Allatoona, like many suburban reservoirs in the United States, could be off-limits as a drinking water source in 10 years. The Atlanta region, as many metro areas, is fighting an often losing battle with federal air and water pollution standards. Here and elsewhere federal mandates could bring house and highway construction to a screeching halt. When a parade of developers flooded the county courthouse with new zoning applications this autumn, sprawl opponents turned out by the hundreds, applauding the commission when it rejected motions to rezone properties for residential building. Whatever the county's problems, local growth advocates say unemployment isn't one of them.
Jobless rates are well below the national average.
And county officials hope the concern over sprawl will make Cherokee a pioneer in conservation subdivisions, characterized by built-in nature trails and shopping within walking distance. Sprawl Resource Guide External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .