| TENNESSEE:
Some Facts to Consider (*) |
|
Tennessee
is among the ten top states in conversion of farmland to development.
Between 1982 and 1992, 436,000 acres were developed-approximately
4% of the state's total farmland. Of the land converted during this
period, more than one-third was prime or unique farmland. (Source:
American Farmland Trust; 1992 Census of Agriculture, Economic Research
Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.) |
|
In
1992, the average farm operator in Tennessee was 55 years old. Forty
percent of all Tennessee farm operators were full-time farmers.
(Source: 1992 Census of Agriculture, Economic Research Service,
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.) |
|
Between
1990 and 1999, Tennessee population grew by more than 12 %. In contrast,
the total U.S. population grew at approximately 8% over the same
period (Source: 1990 U.S. Census Bureau; 1999 Tennessee Statistical
Abstract.) |
|
Between
1990 and 1999, Middle Tennessee population has grown by more than
18%. Population in some counties, such as Williamson and Rutherford
counties, has grown at a rate higher than 50% between 1990 and 2000.
(Source: 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census Bureau.) |
|
While
the number of motor vehicles in the U.S. has increased by 10% between
1990-2000, the increase in Tennessee has been almost twice at much-19.20%
(Source: 1990 U.S. Census Bureau; 1999 Tennessee Statistical Abstract.) |
|
In
some cases around the U.S., it costs government approximately $20,
more to provide infrastructure and municipal services for low-density
"sprawl" development than for compact "infill"
development. (Source: James C. Nicholas, Arthur C. nelson, and Julian
C. Juergensmeyer. 1991. A Practitioner's Guide to Development Impact
Fees. Chicago, IL; American Planning Association, p.1) |
| (*)
This section has been taken in part from Smart
Growth for Tennessee Towns and Counties: A Process Guide by
Mary English, Jean Peretz, and Melissa Manderschied;University of
Tennessee, Knoxville; February 1999. |
