Local and watershed issues such as public access projects and waterfront development will be discussed at each meeting. Residents can attend other meetings if they cannot attend one for their area. Completion of the plan and its approval by the state Department of State can qualify local communities for up to 50 percent in state funding for any projects identified in the plan. Each of the participating nine municipalities will be required to approve the plan before it is submitted to the state and federal governments. County Executive Mark Thomas has initiated a survey for residents to comment on the process, which was begun in 1999.
Surveys are available at town, village and city halls.
The results will be tabulated by the Center for Rural Regional Development and Governance at Fredonia State College, Thomas said.