The coalition has selected Applied Geographics, Inc. to collect data from the 24 municipalities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that comprise the Blackstone River Valley Corridor. Over the next two months, the consultant will visit city and town halls to collect data and talk with planners. Sound environmental management requires knowledge based on natural boundaries, not political ones. This study will establish a first-ever watershed basis for future planning and management decisions. This effort is also about recognizing the potential negative effects of sprawl development and the potential for disproportionate growth in certain regions.
Localities continue to find themselves behind the eight ball in dealing with the issue of growth.
One just has to attend town meetings to hear common issues revolving around overcrowded schools, high residential growth and shrinking tax bases, economic rejuvenation for our urban centers, the loss of farmlands, sewage treatment capacity, and affordable housing. With this new information, we hope to generate a dialogue between town officials, citizens and state legislators about how to plan effectively for growth and preserve the character of the Blackstone Valley. We ultimately want to prepare communities for the challenges that lie ahead. The project is jointly being undertaken by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Project funding is being provided by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor's Blackstone Valley Institute as a part of its concerted efforts to encourage economic development, and foster development that protects and conserves the significant landscapes of the Blackstone River Valley.