Sussex County introduces comprehensive plan; looking to promote agribusiness

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – “We finally got over the goal line and approved the comprehensive land use plan.”

Sussex County Administrator Todd F. Lawson tells 47 ABC, after almost two years of deliberation, the council has approved the decision-making plan that will pave the way to the future for years to come.

He said, “It’s a road map with a forecast all the way out to 2045.”

The 280-page plan maps out several strategies, and one of their main focuses is increasing farming’s presence.

Lawson tells us he wants to improve the county’s economy, and to do just that, promote agribusiness.

He said, “One of the things we want to focus on as it relates to agriculture is to highlight or showcase where we would like new business that are ag-related grow or move and develop here in Sussex County.”

To allow those businesses to develop, they’re looking into creating an “ag-overlay district.”

Lawson said, “In 2019 we’ll take a look at how we can create an ag-overlay district which will then allow us to approve or protect existing agricultural land use activities throughout Sussex County.”

He also said, “If you’re in the ag business, and you want to do business in Sussex County, this ag overlay district will help you start.”

Getting farmers the support they need and protecting their business is just one of the several ways the county will make for a brighter economic future.

But, now that the county has approved the plan, its up to governor Carney to make the final call.

Lawson said, “Once the governor approves the plan, it then has the force of law.”

Once its approved, Lawson says, “I expect the ag overlay to be one of the top priorities.”

If you want more information or would like to see the plan for yourself, log on to www.sussexplan.com