The High Plains Initiative A Joint Effort of Platte and Goshen Counties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2010
TORRINGTON – Residents of Goshen and Platte counties place an even higher value on living in safe, small and friendly communities and are even more optimistic about the future than Wyoming residents overall, according to a recent survey of county residents.
The study was conducted by the High Plains Initiative, a demonstration project of Building the Wyoming We Want, to guide a region-wide discussion of growth-related issues and to think together about the future of Platte and Goshen counties.
“This study allows residents to begin a much needed conversation on impacts and costs of projected growth, especially considering the pending wind energy development and the potential oil play from the Niobrara formation,” said Julie Kilty, co-chair of the High Plains Initiative Steering Committee.
High Plains Initiative Co-Chair, Cindy Witt, said, “The High Plains Initiative will provide the counties and communities in this region with guidance for future decisions based on what the residents told us in the values study and through future public workshops.”
“We got involved in the process to show residents what future growth might look like and how to guide future development to preserve what we value for our children and grandchildren,” Kilty said.
In October, the High Plains Initiative will engage residents from the two counties in public workshops to develop long-term growth scenarios based on public input and the values as demonstrated in the 2010 study.
Heart + Mind Strategies, a nationally respected polling firm, conducted the 2010 values study which compared attitudes in Goshen and Platte counties to ones held by Wyoming residents as measured in a 2009 survey by the Building the Wyoming We Want initiative. The 2010 telephone study interviewed 220 residents, half of whom live in Platte County with the other half from Goshen County. The study is available to download at http://www.buildingwyoming.org/highplains/.
“In 2009 we learned how much Wyomingites love their state, the safety, recreation, and scenic beauty it offers,” said Gretchen Comey, Solutions Director for Heart + Mind Strategies. “What is unique about Platte and Goshen counties is the degree of importance they place on close-knit, family friendly communities and their level of optimism for the future.”
While the 2010 study showed that residents of Goshen and Platte counties value access to the great outdoors similar to all Wyoming residents, Goshen and Platte counties showed some interesting differences.
Both counties are more optimistic about their local communities than the rest of the state and country at large.
Both counties identified agricultural lands, senior centers, and churches as more important ideal community elements compared to the rest of the state. According to the study, residents in Goshen and Platte counties do not place as much value on living close to public lands, workplaces, restaurants and entertainment as do Wyoming residents overall.
According to the study, both counties strongly support wind development.
The study showed differences between the two counties on growth and protecting natural resources like land and water. Goshen County is concerned with the impact of growth and is much more interested in protecting land and water resources. Platte County residents are more likely to believe that growth should be encouraged and fostered. Concern about healthcare programs and doctors was higher in Goshen County.
ABOUT HIGH PLAINS INITIATIVE
Under the leadership of local economic development leaders, Platte and Goshen counties requested to become the first demonstration project for Building the Wyoming We Want in March 2010. Sponsoring organizations are the Platte County Economic Development Corp., the Goshen County Economic Development Corp. and the High Plains Economic Development District. Please visit http://www.buildingwyoming.org/highplains/ for more information on the High Plains Initiative.
The High Plains Initiative process is focusing on four broad goals: to engage citizens and stakeholders in activities that explore growth issues and choices; to develop a range of scenarios based on public preferences; to explore consequences and implementation options for each scenario; and to create a vision and a strategy for Platte and Goshen counties based on the values of the residents.
CONTACT:
- Gretchen Comey, Heart + Mind Strategies Phone: 571-484-8083
- Julie Kilty, Co-Chair, High Plains Initiative Steering Committee Phone: 307-575-0928 E-mail: barx@actcom.net
- Cindy Witt, Co-Chair, High Plains Initiative Steering Committee Phone: 307-331-1123 E-mail: Cindy.Witt2004@gmail.com
- Mary Hogarty, BW3 Project Coordinator Phone: 307-286-2622 E-mail: mary@buildingwyoming.org
-30-
