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Sewer and Water Extension Policy <br />A water and sewer extension policy refers to an official or unofficial policy or policies <br />regarding the expansion of centralized sewer and water systems into previously unserviced <br />areas. The presence or absence of water and sewer facilities significantly affects location and <br />intensity of development in a given area. Without the provision of centralized sewage <br />collection and disposal land can only be developed for rural uses and at rural densities. <br />The provision of public services and facilities should not seek to follow private development, <br />but should occur simultaneously with planning efforts to channel development over time in a <br />manner consistent with the goals and policies outlined in the Land Use Plan. Public facilities <br />should be designed to serve a specific purpose given a desired location, density and form of <br />private development. <br />Community Development Programs <br />Community Development programs seek to coordinate public funds with redevelopment <br />activities to stimulate private development in an area. Projects are premised on community <br />goals and require a coordinated approach to the negotiation between public agencies, private <br />developers and the residents of a community to achieve the objectives of these goals. <br />Generally, these objectives include neighborhood stabilization and business renewal, among <br />others. <br />Public Investments <br />Development of a capital improvements program and budget is a key implementation tool. It <br />requires integrating both County and municipal plans with the recommendations and priorities <br />for programming the fiscal outlay for capital improvements during the plan period. This <br />administrative tool provides decision - makers with guidance mechanisms aimed at <br />coordinating the improvement of the provision of public services and facilities with the <br />private development they are intended to serve. In particular, the provision of water and <br />sewer facilities, roads, schools and parks, among others, should be-considered and approved <br />in light of their development inducing impact on a specific area. <br />Coordination with Other Plans <br />A successful and acceptable planning program necessitates the maximization of coordination <br />between the Land Use Plan and other official plans and policies and the minimization of <br />"conflicting signals". The Plan should seek consistency with existing local, regional, state <br />and federal plans and policies. It should also be supplemented with more detailed functional <br />plans regarding transportation, housing, recreation and water and sewer extensions, as well <br />as specific area plans. <br />Public Education and Awareness <br />The primary and most effective implementation tool is the acceptance and commitment of the <br />general citizenry to the concept of the planning process and the product evolving from that <br />process. Since the planning process necessitates trade -offs between the public and private use <br />of land in a legal climate where property ownership and use is highly revered, public <br />awareness, support, and participation in the process should be facilitated and encouraged. <br />A -3 <br />