Dayton's population grew by more than 50 percent, while four other York County towns had growth rates of 30 percent to 37 percent. This pattern of growth has tremendous implications for Maine's rural traditions, its environment and its quality of life. As urban densities decline, people commute farther to and from work, using more energy and emitting more pollution. Roads have to be upgraded, widened and improved. Woodlands become fragmented, decreasing the amount of available habitat for wildlife.
Water quality is threatened.
Sprawling development also costs taxpayers money. Over the past decade, school enrollments in Maine have declined and the percentage of residents ages 17 and under has dropped from 25.2 percent of the population to 23.6 percent. While some of the projects replaced obsolete buildings, many others have been built to accommodate growth in suburbs. The 2000 Census data should serve as a sharp reminder that unless Maine takes steps to encourage new urban development and stops subsidizing sprawl, the state could look very different when it comes time for the 2010 head count.