The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Division has selected Matrix Design Group to prepare a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) for the communities surrounding Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, including the Dare County Range. The Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment provides grants to state and local governments to conduct a JLUS. The grant will support the cost of the study, which is $297,675.
The study will look to promote community and economic development that is compatible with military training, test and operational missions as well as seek ways to reduce the operational impacts on adjacent lands. The goal of the study is to encourage local governments and the state to work closely with Seymour Johnson AFB to implement measures that promote compatible community development in support of continued operation of the base and range.
"I'm pleased that the Department of Commerce has the opportunity to be a partner in this endeavor,” said Dr. Pat Mitchell, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development. “Our state and military collaborations are valued. Within the Rural Economic Development Division we are especially interested in the economies of our rural counties and this form of land use planning can be beneficial to all."
The study area will include the counties of Beaufort, Bertie, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, Washington and Wayne along with the cities of Goldsboro and Washington. It is expected be completed in 18 months.
Matrix has developed more than 30 JLUS projects for state and local governments across the United States. Its experience includes work associated with Navy, Air Force, Marine and National Guard installations, ranges and joint basing.
The N.C. Rural Economic Development Division provides a variety of resources and services for economic prosperity, growth management, and customized community development assistance. The division provides local communities with a variety of resources and services to help them realize economic prosperity, plan for new growth and address community needs.