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SRDC
Series #207
Rural Infrastructure as a Cause and Consequence
of Rural Economic Development and Quality of Life, SRIEG-16
No. 5-Abstract
July 1997
View PDF
Declining rural communities, fewer jobs, limited access to information
and services and out-migration of youth have forced rural America
to rethink its future. Future sustainability of rural communities
depends in significant measure on their capacity to deploy financial,
physical and intellectual assets efficiently and effectively.
Communities need to plan for modernization of infrastructure that
enhances future development opportunities.
The 1997 session of the Southern Extension/Research Activities
Information Exchange Group-16 (SERA-IEG-16) focused on theory,
research and educational models pertaining to community sustainability.
Educational and research models were presented defining sustainability
along with overviews of selected efforts to foster community viability.
Papers and ideas discussed at this meeting provided insight into
the concept of community sustainability. A model used in Virginia
was presented that assists community decision-makers evaluate
fiscal impacts of changes in the local economy. Preliminary results
and observations of a multi-state Communities in Economic Transition
pilot were presented along with a national overview of this National
Initiative.
Information and discussion at this session contributed tremendously
to participants understanding of sustainable community issues
and models. Publication of these proceedings provides an opportunity
to share this information with others.
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