
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 3, 1991                   TAG: 9102040276
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BLUE RIDGE/ TAKING THE REGIONAL APPROACH

UNLIKE the coal counties of Far Southwest Virginia and the traffic-congested urban centers of Northern Virginia and Tidewater, the combined New River Valley, Roanoke Valley and Lynchburg areas are perhaps less distinct as a region.

Nonetheless, the localities in this area have common interests. They would be well-served by a bonding together, by more clearly defined regional goals, and by a greater commitment to meeting shared challenges and solving shared problems.

Recognizing this, Del. Joan Munford, D-Blacksburg, has proposed the creation of a Blue Ridge Economic Development Commission. The purpose: to examine ways of stimulating economic activity and tourism for 16 counties, 23 towns and nine cities that would be represented on the commission.

Munford's bill - co-sponsored by 19 of the area's other delegates and senators - notes that, unlike some other regions of the state, the Blue Ridge region "is neither economically depressed nor disadvantaged." But neither is it a thriving area "assured a promising economic future without some assistance."

Munford's proposed commission is patterned after the Lacy Commission, named for former Del. Charles Lacy of Wytheville, which focused on economic development for Southwest Virginia.

If it is approved by the General Assembly, the Blue Ridge commission would serve, in part, as an information network. It would analyze efforts being made now by the individual localities in the area and see how information might be packaged as a marketing tool for the entire region.

It's a good idea. Regional planning makes sense:

Recreational facilities at Smith Moutain Lake are as much an asset for Lynchburg as for Roanoke.

Roanoke's cultural attractions and plans for Explore Park affect tourism potential for the entire region, not just Roanoke.

A new plant in the New River Valley brings economic benefits to the Roanoke Valley as well.

The continuing strength of higher-education institutions in Blacksburg, Radford, Lexington and elsewhere carries economic-development importance beyond the localities where the institutions are located.

Munford's proposal should be added to other efforts undertaken to promote regionalism in this area of the state. With all the research and the rhetoric, the conferences and the commissions supporting the idea, there should be more progress toward thinking and planning regionally.

by CNB