Going green

One of the most promising things to emerge from the stimulus funding for the Community Development Block Grant was the decision to allocate $100,000 toward the training of low-income citizens for 'green jobs' because it is a proactive step that, in one fell swoop, addresses the community's nagging poverty problem and economic development struggles.

While much of the details for how such a program would work will be sorted out in the coming month, this should be one of those 'a-ha' moments for everyone involved. Initial estimates suggest that this chunk of money could provide training to 100 to 150 individuals, thus giving Athens-Clarke County a marketable tool to used to recruit various green businesses and alternative energy companies to the area. Not only will it actually help to develop a skilled workforce, but - if marketed right - is a powerful symbol of what the community is doing to attract said industries.

There is ample space in the community begging for redevelopment - just drive down, say, Newton Bridge Road for instance - that would be ideal for these companies to come in and set up shop. And I'd like to see every player in the community, ranging from commissioners to chamber members to school officials, involved in actively contacting and working to bring those businesses to town.

I can't stress enough that, if done right, this is something that has the real potential to spur the type of economic development that not only will help the poverty problem in the community, but also send a much-needed ripple effect throughout Northeast Georgia.

The commission deserves a pat on the back for its support of the iniative, and here's hoping they use it as a first step in a broader effort aimed at making Athens-Clarke County the hub of a new green economy for the region.