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Chisholm Trail
RC&D, Inc.
Area
Needs and Opportunities
Mission & Vision
Goals
2007 Activity Report
Sponsorship & Receiving Assistance
Coverage Area
Directors
Meeting Notice
Plan of Work
Strategies 2007 - 2008
Plan of Work
Accomplishments 2007
Area Plan
2007 December Newsletter |
Statistics show that our 11-county area is experiencing an increase in
urbanization. There has been an influx of families from the metropolitan sprawl,
seeking an escape from the problems of big city schools, in search of cleaner
air and natural resources……….in short, a better way of life. Another reason for
the population explosion is a desire by many to retire in a more peaceful,
serene area than they have been accustomed to during their careers.
This increase in population has put a significant amount of pressure on the
rural school systems, county road systems, transportation systems, available
housing, water supply systems, recreation areas and youth programs and
facilities. The metropolitan area continues to engulf fertile farmland and the
open ranges, as evidenced by the recent construction of the Texas Motor Speedway
and its many satellite businesses in rural Denton County. Attractions such as
this place unbelievable strains on the infrastructure of adjoining counties.
The county road systems are not designed to handle the increase in traffic from
this population explosion. These new country residents still expect the
convenience of paved, wide road systems. The current county road systems are
subject to flooding, erosion and lack of maintenance due to economic conditions.
Seventy percent of the streets in rural communities are substandard.
Right-of-way widths are too narrow and are becoming a safety factor, roads need
to be reshaped and safe drainage systems installed and all-weather surfaces need
to be applied in many areas. Safety is becoming a real issue as the rural
traffic increases.
Surface drainage and flooding are problems in every community. There is a need
for planning assistance to design drainage systems and flood prevention
measures. Financial assistance is needed to install these planned improvements.
Increased fire protection is a key issue in the smaller communities. Volunteer
Fire Departments need new and updated pumper trucks, brush and grass
firefighting equipment, rescue equipment and equipment to handle hazardous
materials. Available surface water for firefighting is needed in rural areas,
especially in the western portion where ground water supplies are almost
nonexistent.
In addition to equipment, volunteer fire departments are in need of more
localized training. Since practically all volunteer firefighters have full-time
jobs, this makes it difficult for them to attend training sessions.
An increase in law enforcement personnel, equipment and training is needed
throughout the area. As metropolitan area residents “escape” to the country,
they bring with them their problems. Their problems have become our problems and
our law enforcement agencies do not have sufficient personnel or equipment to
stay on top of these problems, which end up affecting our quality of life. A
prime example is the need for women’s shelters. Our rural counties have no such
shelters and the domestic violence cases are on the rise. Battered wives and
their threatened children are forced to pull up roots and move to temporary
shelters in the larger cities. Professionals tell us the worst thing for
children in these cases is to be removed from school, friends and other family
members. Rural shelters would permit mothers and children to stay in familiar
surroundings while the problems of the home are worked out.
Deterioration of downtown areas is a major problem in most communities, large
and small. In the larger towns, the shopping center concept has resulted in
vacant and deteriorated buildings in the downtown areas. In small communities,
the inability to compete with the larger store chains has caused the closure of
many Mom and Pop stores. These vacant buildings need to be renovated or
demolished.
Rural electrical distribution systems need upgrading of facilities and
equipment. Rural residents experience power outages during stormy weather. High
voltage transmission systems are needed for economic development in rural areas.
Improvements in rural water systems are needed to provide the quality and
quantity desired. In many of the rural communities, the water delivery systems
are almost 60 years old. They are in continuous need of repair and choked with
deposits that reduce the available water supplied. Firefighting and economic
development are hampered due to the inadequate water delivery systems available.
The federal and state parks are often operating at or above designed capacity.
There is a need for additional parking space, restrooms, picnic facilities and
boat ramps to alleviate overcrowding.
Additional development of facilities around city lakes and parks is needed.
Picnic areas, playground areas and equipment, walking trails, shelters, access
roads and parking improvements are required to meet the increased demands.
An education delivery system needs to be developed to assist current landowners
in property diversification. Development, management and promotion of wildlife
resources show great potential in the area. Hunting leases are in great demand
and serve as an economic boost for property owners.
Through the economic development push, the demand for available housing has
become an increasing problem. Not only are the metropolitan workers moving to
the country, but the availability of housing for potential industry into the
immediate area is slim.
Senior citizen services are on the decline. Funding is a big issue for programs
such as the meals on wheels, assisted living programs and available nursing home
facilities. As many look to retire in this area, the need for these services
continues to increase. With the increase in population, there has also been a
need for more rural health care facilities. Archer County is without a hospital
and has only one doctors’ office. The one remaining hospital in Jack County is
struggling to stay open. Emergency response time is slow due to the distance
between ambulance locations. The availability of trained volunteers for
ambulatory services is a problem.
Pest and brush management is a visible problem in the area. Invasion of
agricultural land by undesirable brush and weed species has greatly reduced
production potential. Pest control is an expensive necessity of producing
agricultural crops.
Through education and demonstration, agricultural diversity needs to be
introduced into the area. Development of alternative crops and farming methods
is a viable option.
One of the many reasons persons are attracted to the rural area is the low tax
rate, compared to the rate they are accustomed to paying. Recent tax increases
in Chisholm Trail RC&D area have gone for road improvements and school
expansions, necessitated by the influx of people. Volunteer fire departments,
libraries, civic centers, youth programs and services for the elderly are still
dependent upon the generosity of caring people.
On this site, you will see the goals and objectives developed by the
Chisholm Trail Executive Board of Directors. These goals and objectives were
developed after attending many sponsorship meetings, special purpose meetings,
input from the general public and surveys. The Executive Board of Directors
strive to positively impact the 11-county region and assist with solutions to
the previously mentioned difficulties of the area.
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Chisholm
Trail RC&D