Update from Grow Smart

We are half way through broadcasting the 4 shows, great shows, we filmed with Grow Smart RI at the RI Convention Center.  The shows focused on the issues highlighted at their recent Summit.

This came from them today:

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Grow Smart Rhode Island Legislative Update: Act Now on Bond to Boost Economy and Environment  We are writing to encourage you to voice your support for having the General Assembly place the proposed Local Farms, Open Space & Recreation bond issue on the November ballot.  We at Grow Smart believe that this bond issue would be an important investment in our future economic, environmental and social well being -- a means of protecting working farms, of expanding much-needed recreation facilities in our urban centers and of protecting open space and improving recreational sites throughout the state.  Background In February, Governor Chafee proposed a $25 million Local Farms, Open Space and Recreation Bond as part of the state budget.  If the RI General Assembly adopts a budget that includes this proposal, a bond referendum will be placed on the November ballot for voter approval. This Bond proposal includes  $4.5 million for Farmland Protection $2.5 million for Open Space Protection Grants $2.5 million for RIDEM's Land Acquisition Program $6.5 million for Local Recreation Development Grants $5.0 million for capital improvements and renovations for State Parks and Beaches $4.0 million to protect and restore Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island watersheds  There's more if you look at their site. We agree these are good investments.  Our economy, at least in the State, depends very much on natural resources, their proper use, management and restoration from past damage.  The ROI on investments in farming (a very good, growing industry here), Tourism (hence the bond for State Parks, Beaches and the Bay) and land preservation, open spaces, has been excellent and growing. Keep in mind one of the true components of recruiting companies and people to a  state is the quality of life.  Consider this a long-term investment in retaining and attracting talent to RI. Each state must make similar investments and think very long-term about the bedrock natural resources provide to a local, even fragmented, economy.