BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – At its meeting on Monday meeting, Berkeley County Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance establishing the creation of a Berkeley County Conservation and Greenbelt Advisory Commission.
“This committee is critical to the county’s future quality of life, as we seek to preserve land, as well as plan and implement new passive and active parks across the county. The Greenbelt Advisory Committee will assist in making recommendations to county council and staff on various greenspace initiatives,” said Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor.
“Above all, we are grateful to the taxpayers for overwhelmingly approving the November 2022 One Cent Sales Tax another seven years. This tax primarily provides funding for roadway and infrastructure improvements (90%) but—for the first time—is also providing funding for greenspace projects (10%). It is crucial that while experiencing rapid growth, we are intentional about protecting greenspace, water supply and natural areas,” he continued.
The purpose of the nine-member Commission will be to provide advice and guidance to Berkeley County Council on “Greenbelt Preservation Projects.” Each council member will nominate one member from his or her respective district. More specifically, the commission’s objectives are as follows:
1) To identify, conserve and protect natural resources
2) To educate the public as to the benefits of conservation
3) To work with County staff and the County’s consultant in formulating and developing a Master Plan for the expenditure of Greenbelt funding received as a result of the Berkeley County One Cent Sales and Use Tax Referendum
4) To work in conjunction with County staff and the County’s consultant to identify eligible projects to be funded with the Greenbelt funding received as a result of the Berkeley County One Cent Sales and Use Tax Referendum
5) To review eligible projects pursuant to applications developed by County staff and/or the County’s Consultant and make recommendations to County Council for the expenditure of Greenbelt funding received from the Berkeley County One Cent Sales and Use Tax
6) To undertake such studies, plans, activities, and projects as may, from time-to-time, be assigned to the Commission by the County Council.
With assistance from County staff, the Commission will also annually submit to County Council a plan for the protection of significant resources in Berkeley County. The plan will include a list of significant natural and cultural resources in Berkeley County and will be recommended to County Council for protection by acquisition or easement.
View the full ordinance HERE.
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