A small group of Comprehensive Plan Committee Members reviewed the latest reports detailing the progress of both the Economic Development plan and the Morgan County GreenPrint plans.

The reports were presented by representatives of Robert and Company, a group based out of Atlanta that provides planning services, and who are heading up the compilation of the Morgan County Comprehensive Plan.

Data for an early draft of the Economic Development plan was taken from the Department of Community Affairs, the most recent U.S. Census, the Madison Chamber of Commerce, and from other county provided statistics. The report lists a variety of issues and goals compiled from county residents involved in the early stages of the plan’s development.

Among other items, a need for an increase of tourism industry support and the preservation of current agricultural industry was discussed in the report.

Lee Walton, a Robert and Company representative, also presented a "strategic plan" for Morgan County’s recreation and parks. The plan looks at issues such as future land acquisition and the administrative organization of the current Recreation Department.

The county’s GreenPrint workshop took the concerns and interests of some 70 residents that participated and produced a preliminary draft yet another aspect of the final comprehensive plan.

The report lists over 50 specific sites that are areas requiring specific attention in the future in terms of environmental preservation. Residents also expressed an interest in avoiding the clear-cutting of trees and over-development.

These reports will ultimately be compiled to form the final draft of the county’s comprehensive plan, which will then be submitted to the state. The plan is expected in its final form sometime in 2004. All county residents are encouraged to attend the various meetings and workshops and express their concerns for the county’s future.