The primary responsibility of Pulaski County is to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the individual citizens of the county. In addressing this responsibility the County has established the following goals. Subsequent text outlines the actions the County will pursue over the next five years to reach these goals:

1.1-1. The Board of Supervisors should actively support a countywide economic development program to attract new industry to the New River Valley and Pulaski County.

1.1-2. The Board of Supervisors should communicate and work with other jurisdictions in the New River Valley to develop a regional industrial park that will enhance the current inventory of available industrial land.

1.1-4. The County's economic development efforts should promote improved wages and more job training opportunities for the residents of the County.

1.2-1. County officials involved in economic development should conduct business visitation on a periodic basis to provide a conduit for business concerns to reach community leaders.

1.2-2. The Board of Supervisors should encourage the continuation programs that recognize the contributions existing businesses make to Pulaski County.

1.2-3. The Board of Supervisors and Pulaski Encouraging Progress should encourage existing business to participate in surveys of wages and benefits to provide a database for new location and expansion decisions.

1.2-4. The County should facilitate efforts to foster inter-business cooperation with the Board of Supervisors and the Industrial Development Authority.

1.2-5. The Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Coalition should organize an orientation program for new industry personnel to community facilities and activities.

1.2-6. Pulaski Encouraging Progress and the Board of Supervisors should develop programs to encourage vendor and service businesses that are complimentary to existing businesses and employment in Pulaski County.

1.3-2. The Board of Supervisors should continue to work with the towns of Pulaski and Dublin in their revitalization efforts.

1.3-3. County economic development efforts, the New River Valley Development Corporation, and New River Valley Economic Development Alliance should encourage small business development.

1.3-4. The Planning Commission should consider and establish criteria for prime industrial zoning.

1.4-1. Pulaski Encouraging Progress should update information available to new and expanding businesses on financial assistance from both the public and private sector.

1.4-2. Pulaski Encouraging Progress and Industrial Development Authority should encourage representatives from local financial institutions to participate in joint activities to attract and support new and expanding businesses.

1.4-3. Pulaski Encouraging Progress and Industrial Development Authority should encourage the utilization of the New River Valley Development Corporation and it's: the Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund and the developing New River Valley Revolving Loan Fund.

1.4-4 Continue efforts to track economic indicators, provide current information and assist in the development of facilities and services.

1.4-6. Coordinate site development and related information with other industrial development organizations, including the Virginia Department of Economic Development, New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, Appalachian Power Company, Norfolk Southern Railroad and New River Valley Planning District Commission.

1.4-7. Develop industrial park sites to provide for continued industrial expansion in the County.

1.4-8. The Industrial Development Authority should develop an exclusive option for holding potential industrial sites. Such an option will pre-determine the sale conditions for site acquisition and deter possible speculation delaying the site selection process.

1.4-9. The Public Service Authority should work with the Pulaski County Industrial Development Authority to extend utilities to the New River Valley Airport. This will facilitate development of a County or regional industrial park with direct access to the airport facility.

1.4-10. The County through the efforts of Pulaski Encouraging Progress and the Industrial Development Authority should maintain a diverse inventory of available commercial and industrial land and buildings.

1.4.11. The County should support the development of commercial and industrial properties by applying for state and federal funding for the infrastructure necessary to support such development.

1.5-1. Pulaski County's economic development efforts should utilize Claytor Lake and the New River as economic development tools which could lead to the development of a water oriented convention center.

1.5-2. Pulaski Encouraging Progress and the County should work with State agencies and tourism organization to promote Claytor Lake and the New River Trail State Park as tourist destinations.

1.5-3. The Board of Supervisors should promote economic development at a variety of locations throughout the County.

2.2-1. The Housing Office should establish public information and educational programs related to housing. Devise and administer programs designed to inform all citizens about housing and housing related programs that are available at all levels of government, but particularly at the local level.

3.1-1. Encourage implementation of Best Management Practices particularly in areas adjacent to existing sinkholes.

3.1-2. The County should encourage installation of the best available storage and monitoring technologies for storage of fuels and other toxic materials through cooperative efforts with the Virginia Water Control Board, Pulaski County Building Inspections Department, and the Planning Commission.

3.1-3. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Department and Commonwealth's Attorney should actively pursue legal charges against open dumps, particularly those in sinkholes.

3.2-1. Continue to implement the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance of Pulaski County. Utilize, require and enforce implementation of best management practices for stormwater, erosion and sedimentation through the Pulaski County Building Inspector and the Pulaski County Engineer.

3.2-2. Continue to actively participate in and support the Skyline Soil and Water Conservation District.

3.2-3. Conduct watershed management studies of the major streams in the County.

3.2-4 The County should continue efforts to assess erosion and water quality issues.

3.2-5 The County should conduct a benefit cost analysis to determine the feasibility of best practice on site waste treatment options south of Claytor Lake.

3.2-6 Encourage the utilization of best management practices on lands adjacent to tributary streams.

3.3-1. Wherever possible, greenbelts should be retained, particularly: in flood prone areas, on ridgelines, in historic resources, and to protect scenic vistas. The Planning Commission should evaluate preservation measures to be used to retain open space such as:

            - Agricultural/forestall districts             - Prime farmland identification

            - Land banking                                         - Conservation easements

            - Private/Non-profit conservation programs

This evaluation should be in the context of an open space plan in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Department of Conservation and Recreation Resources, Division of Planning.

The Board of Supervisors should then take appropriate actions identified by the Open Space Plan to retain open space.

3.3-2. The County should evaluate expanding its definition of "agricultural use" to include "tree farming" with respect to property taxes.

3.3-3. The County should evaluate buffer zones for their potential qualification as open space with respect to property tax.

3.4-1. The County Garage should keep the County vehicle fleet in good working order and undertake fuel and maintenance efforts necessary to protect air quality.

3.4-2. The County should consider the purchase of high efficiency low emission gas or diesel hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions from County vehicles and lower operating costs.

3.4-3. The County should investigate the possibility of using the methane gas generated by the New River Resource Authority to power refuse collection vehicles, reducing emissions and operating costs.

3.5-1. The Planning Commission should prohibit development in particularly sensitive natural areas through application of its Conservation Zoning District.

3.5-2. The Planning Commission should carefully plan and manage the density of development which occurs in close proximity to Claytor Lake through Planned Unit Development, conservation easements, and other mechanisms.

3.6-1. The County should develop a Pulaski County Historic Register be created so as to identify and take the necessary steps to place historical sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

3.6-2. The Planning Commission should develop a historic site-zoning district that meets the Virginia Department of Historic Resources standards.

3.6-3. The Planning Commission should designate areas to apply the historic site-zoning district and develop logos and brochures, etc. about these areas.

4.1-1. Pulaski Encouraging Progress Quality of Life Committee should monitor key areas:

                - Education                 - Health Care                    - Retail Services

4.1-2. The Board of Supervisors and County agencies should encourage and undertake:

                - Governmental cooperation on service delivery

                - Addressing the County's medical service needs.

4.1-3. The County staff should continue to support development of events calendars, listings of community organizations, publicizing community events and educational opportunities, and publicizing the ongoing "Pride in Pulaski" Program.

4.2-1. The Planning Commission should restrict permitted uses allowed in the zoning ordinance to reflect the limitations of karst terrain.

4.2-2. Planning Commission should actively encourage the use of the planned unit ordinance.

4.3-1. Limit urban expansion to those areas most suitable for new development on the basis of accessibility, extension of services, terrain, soils, and other criteria directed toward preserving Pulaski County's natural resources as indicated in the Pulaski County Future Land Use Plan and Official Zoning Map.

4.3-2. The Planning Commission should encourage the use of cluster development along major transportation routes.

4.3.3 The Planning Commission will discourage strip commercial and residential development along major transportation routes and encourage the use of clustered development.

The goals and objectives are drawn primarily from the Pulaski County School Boards efforts to establish system goals earlier this year. Their inclusion in this document emphasizes the importance of education to the well being of County citizens and the ultimate development of Pulaski County.

5.1-1. The County should pursue the education recommendations outlined by the Southwest Virginia Economic Development Commission, including:

                - Local governments shall continue to support local spending on elementary and secondary education.

5.2-1. The School Board and administration should in cooperation with the faculty initiate programs targeted at increasing achievement test scores at the elementary level to at least the 70th percentile.

5.2-2. The School Board and administration should in cooperation with the faculty initiate programs and activities necessary to increase achievement test scores at the middle and secondary level to at least the 70th percentile.

5.2-3. The school system shall strive to achieve an increase in the percent of students who achieve above the 60th percentile while also decreasing the percent of students who achieve below the 40th percentile.

5.2-4. School system faculty and staff should promote and encourage students at all levels to participate and achieve in academic contests, honors, SAT testing, merit scholar programs, and other academic programs.

5.3-1. School system faculty and staff should set higher academic standards for both college preparatory and vocational programs of study and adopt a philosophy emphasizing the success of all students.

Recommended Strategies:

5.4-1. The School Board in cooperation with area industry and businesses should initiate a large-scale adult education campaign, which will significantly increase the school system's literacy and adult program offerings.

5.4-2. The school system should cooperate in developing this education campaign with the New River Community College and County business community.

5.4-3. The School Board in cooperation with area industry and businesses should undertake a program focused on increasing the number of GED (High School Graduate Equivalent Diploma) diplomas awarded in the County.

5.4-4. The School Board and staff should pursue implementation of community-based initiatives.

OBJECTIVE 5.6: Encourage the education of the County's young people and labor force in those emerging skills required to maintain their employability in the changing work place.

5.6-1. Pulaski Encouraging Progress should support training opportunities through New River Community College, local universities and School Board.

5.6-2. Pulaski Encouraging Progress should seek to utilize the high school and vocational school programs to encourage small business development as a part of their educational program.

5.6-3. Pulaski County should encourage and support the New River Community College in the implementation of the Workkeys assessment of students and members of the labor force to evaluate training needs and participate in changing economic conditions.

6.1-1. Pulaski County Public Service Authority (PSA) should develop a county-wide water and sewer study to identify services needs.

6.1-2. The PSA should provide top priority to areas of the County planned for high-density cluster development in the construction of new community facilities, water, and sewer.

6.1-3. The PSA should consider alternative methods of wastewater treatment, such as modern on-site treatment options, to encourage cluster development and bring the benefits on waste treatment to more areas of the county.

6.1-4. Provide public facilities at the most efficient scale, and plan for them together with citizen choice and participation, and encourage the provision of such services to maximize total benefits. The inter-jurisdictional cooperation in developing the Pepper's Ferry Wastewater Treatment facility has been very beneficial to the County. This effort and cooperative efforts with other jurisdictions should be supported.

6.1-5. Base expansion of the water system on user studies and trends in population growth.

6.1-6. Make every attempt to guarantee that residential, commercial and industrial development discharges are to the Public Service Authority sewer system and Pepper's Ferry Wastewater Treatment facility where access is feasible.

6.2-1. The PSA should establish provision of necessary sewer service as its top priority.

6.2-2. The PSA should undertake a feasibility study of sewer service to the Claytor Lake Area.

6.2-3. The PSA should establish sewer service based on the following criteria:

                2. Development of necessary infrastructure for economic development.

                3. Prevent contamination of surface waters.

6.2-4. Guide development by structuring where service will be provided rather than responding to demands for service.

Recommended Strategies:

7.1-1. The Planning Commission should limit access points on arterial highways through its Subdivision Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and site plan review.

7.1-2. The Planning Commission should encourage combined accesses rather than excessive numbers of entrances per use through its Zoning Ordinance.

7.1-3. The Planning Commission should modify the Zoning Ordinance to limit the number of driveways entering arterial roads per unit of road length and/or number per lot.

7.1-4. The Board of Supervisors should encourage landowners to upgrade private roads to public street standards and petition for inclusion in the State Highway System; and discourage developers from constructing private roads by:

               2. Assisting landowners in understanding the public street standards for inclusion in the State Highway System.

7.1-5. The Board of Supervisors should study public transit options, particularity with respect to special populations within the County such as the elderly, handicapped and unemployed. Such a study, should include participation in regional options for service provision.

7.1-6. The Board of Supervisors should evaluate the recommendations and support the provision of public transit services particularity with respect to special populations within the County such as the elderly and handicapped.

7.1-7. The Board of Supervisors should undertake the protection of the economic development corridors between existing four lane roadways and industrial park lands.

Recommended Strategies:

7.2-1. The Board of Supervisors should work with the Virginia Department of Transportation and support the improvements to arterial highways entering the Pulaski County.

7.2-2. The Board of Supervisors should actively pursue incorporation of proposed projects in the Six-Year Capital Improvements Program, projects including:

               2. Construction of a new bridges across the New River, at Whitethorn, to improve connectivity with adjacent

7.2-3. The Board of Supervisors should actively seek improvement and maintenance for Pulaski County rural roads. The County should encourage and pursue available means to hard surface all public roads in Pulaski County.

OBJECTIVE 7.3: Undertake road improvements that provide recreational opportunities, promote tourism and improve the County's "quality of life".

7.3-1. The Board of Supervisors should work with the Virginia Department of Transportation to develop bike lanes in conjunction with upgrades of existing and construction of new road facilities where appropriate.

7.3-2. Assistance should be sought from VDOT and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to formally establish a boat landing and parking facilities along New River, particularly at the Rt. 114 Bridge.

7.4-1. The New River Valley Airport Commission should continue to pursue efforts to maintain the airport facility, particularly pavement maintenance and development of an advanced weather station.

7.4-2. The New River Valley Airport Commission should perform a user study and update the airport master plan so that the Commission will have a plan for continuing growth and a basis for future requests for state and federal funding.

7.5-1. Support the six laning of I-81. Encourage the design of the improvements to include an evaluation of future land uses.

7.5-2. Continue to work with other localities and organizations in the region to take advantage of the transportation assets which come together at Dublin through support for continued work on the development of an intermodal transportation center

7.5-3 Continue to support passenger rail transportation for the New River Valley.

8.1-1. The New River Resource Authority should continue to encourage a recycling strategy in cooperation with its member jurisdictions, including Pulaski County, that will result in increased recycling rates.

8.1-2. The Board of Supervisors should require all County departments and agencies to implement internal recycling programs and modify procurement policies to promote the purchase of recycled products.

8.1-3. All County agencies should work with the Clean Community Council, PTO, New River Resource Authority and other agencies and organizations to develop programs that make all County citizens aware of the need to recycle and how to recycle.

8.1-4. The Board of Supervisors should continue the requirement of mandatory garbage pick up in Pulaski County.

8.1-5. The Board of Supervisors should support programs and legislative initiatives that reduce the per capita production of solid waste by discouraging superfluous packaging and by encouraging the use of recyclable packaging materials.

8.2-1. The Board of Supervisors should continue to participate in the New River Resource Authority to implement its Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling Plan.

8.2-2. The PSA should continue its an efficient solid waste collection program which provides adequate service in rural areas and addresses collection of recyclable materials.

8.2-3. The Board of Supervisors and the New River Resource Authority should develop rate structures that are sufficient to cover the operation and long-term capital requirements of the total waste management system.

8.3-1. The Board of Supervisors and New River Resource Authority should acquire sites necessary for placement of recycling centers, transfer stations, compost facilities, and other system components, in a planned way. Such acquisition should address future as well as current system needs.

8.3-2. The Planning Commission should utilize the County Zoning Ordinance to guide the placement of waste management facilities (landfills, recycling centers, etc.).

8.3-3. The County and Industrial Development Authority should encourage the recycling industry as a component of their respective economic development efforts.

8.4-1. The Board of Supervisors and County agencies should continue to support Adopt-a-Highway, Adopt-a-Stream, and Adopt-a-Spot programs.

               2. Assist civic groups in organizing county-wide or site specific clean-up days.

8.4-2. The Board of Supervisors should continue to enforce its abandoned vehicle ordinance.

9.1-1. All County agencies should conduct citizen surveys on relevant topics.

9.1-2. All County agencies should have a broad notification program prior to opportunities for public comment.

9.1-3. The County staff should continue to involve citizens in Committees guiding County projects.

9.1-4. The Board of Supervisors should continue to provide for citizen comments.

Recommended Strategies:

9.2-1. The Planning Commission should keep the Comprehensive Plan current and realistic. The plan must always protect the public health, safety, and welfare of all the citizens of Pulaski County.

9.2-2. The Planning Commission and County staff should endeavor to insure that land transfers and development are in keeping with the requirements of the County's land use management ordinances.

9.2-3. The Planning Commission should write a "Development Manual" which outlines the required processes associated with construction, land transfers, and development. This document should also contain minimum standards necessary for provision of services by the PSA and recommended practices aimed at addressing improper but unregulated development practices frequently observed by the Planning Commission.

9.3-1. Public Service Authority, School Board and other County agencies should develop a complete maintenance program for County facilities that is based on equipment life costing and includes preventative maintenance.

9.3-2. All County agencies should provide timely response to citizen complaints about service; courteous response to such complaints and track the occurrence of trends in complaints as to type service, frequency and location.

9.3-3. Coordinate inter-agency and inter-department communication and cooperation.

9.3-4. Expand Information Systems to improve services to the public and improve efficiency of governmental services.

9.3-5. The County staff should insure that ordinances and regulations are updated and refined on a regular basis.

9.3-6. The County staff should maintain an active grantsmanship program.

9.4-1. The Public Service Authority should maintain its mandatory usage policy for water and sewer and solid waste collection.

Recommended Strategies:

9.5-1. The County staff should identify and list community projects that are needed.

9.5-2. County government should assist in coordinating civic group participation in community projects.

Recommended Strategies:

9.6-1. The Planning Commission should review land development regulations so that resulting costs and delays are balanced against and justified by the public purposes achieved.

9.6-2. County projects should set the example for quality, appearance and functionality, so that the citizenry have high quality services and facilities and the development community understands what is expected of them.

9.7-1. The County staff should coordinate development of a plan for utilizing vacant facilities for new uses. This will include:

                    2. Identification of ways to improve utilization of currently under-utilized structures.

                    3. Prioritized space needs and identify locations that are best suited to particular activities.

                    4. Estimate renovation costs and budget for necessary expenditures.

10.1-1. The Emergency Services Coordinator should maintain a complete and up-to-date appraisal of fire station and fire protection adequacy.

10.1-2. The Fire Protection Committee should support and facilitate developing a comprehensive training program for all fire response personnel.

10.2-1. The Board of Supervisors should continue the planned equipment replacement program.

10.2-2. The County Emergency Services Coordinator should assist the Emergency Medical Services Council to coordinate providing necessary equipment and facilities to the County's rescue squads.

10.3-1. The Board of Supervisors, business community and the emergency response community should fully support the Pulaski County Local Emergency Planning Committee and Fire Prevention Committee.

10.3-2 The Emergency Services Coordinator should implement and maintain the E-911 system currently under development by the County.

11.1-1. The New River Trail and Claytor Lake State parks should be protected from encroachment through land use controls and the County should work with these state parks to enhance recreational opportunities at and associated with the parks.

11.1-2. Support the County-wide Recreation Committee and conduct a pilot county-wide program based on the Committee's recommendations.

11.1-3. Cooperate with adjoining jurisdictions to develop regional park facilities.

11.1-4. Continue to encourage an active arts program in Pulaski County.

11.1-5. Develop facilities for meetings and community events.

11.1-6. Improve existing boat access and increase the number of assess points to the New River and Claytor Lake.

11.1-7. Develop public access to the New River at the New River Industrial Park.

11.1-8. Continue support for Randolph Park, Harry DeHaven Park, Allisonia Boat Ramp, the Draper Mountain Overlook, and other developed County recreation sites.

11.2-1. Utilize the guidance provided by the Pulaski Recreation Study (1987) in evaluating park and conservation corridor locations.

11.2-2. Acquire park sites that are located on the fringes of existing development.

11.2-3. Use local school facilities to supplement, not replace County recreational facilities.

11.2-4. Encourage subdivision developers to provide recreation sites and facilities for the use of the residents.

11.2-5. Base park planning on the Virginia Outdoors Plan Guidelines.

11.2-6. Prepare an open space and recreation plan for the County.

11.3-1. Study future expansion of the Pulaski County Library in association with the Public schools library system.

11.3-2. Develop adequate parking space for the library facility.

11.3-3. Base planning for the library on standards of the Virginia State Library Board and the American Library Association.

11.3-4. Encourage the joint use of school and public libraries by the general public.

11.3-5. Actively pursue development of an automated circulation and on-line search system.