| Suburban
sprawl has become the prevalent development pattern in Delaware.
Sprawl contributes to a loss of 3,500 acres of farmland per year,
aggravates traffic congestion, destroys natural habitat, contributes
to groundwater pollution and increases impervious surfaces. The
cumulative impact has been degradation of the state's water quality,
biodiversity and local community character. Delaware has adopted
watershed management programs to address issues of nonpoint pollution
and Governor Minner's Livable Delaware Program is developing statewide
policies to address sprawl. Delaware NEMO will initiate a partnership
of university, non-profit organizations and state and local governments
to develop educational programs to build on these regulatory and
policy efforts. The pilot effort will be funded primarily through
the Coastal Management Program and NOAA Sea Grant’s Coastal
Community Development Program administered through University of
Delaware Sea Grant. |
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