After two years of preparation, the Donegal Region Comprehensive Plan Update was adopted by East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough and Mount Joy Borough in July. The plan update was funded jointly between the Pennsylvania State Department of Community and Economic Development, Lancaster County, and the three municipalities. The planning process was led by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from each of the municipalities and LCPC staff, as well as the Donegal School Dis­trict and Main Street Mount Joy to ensure a com­prehensive approach to regional issues. The Steering Committee contracted with Wallace, Roberts and Todd, LLC, of Philadelphia, to lead them through a plan development process that included extensive public involvement.

The plan update includes a Vision Statement and Guiding Principles that recognize the need to build upon assets of the region as a whole, as well as the distinct qualities and character of each municipal­ity. The document emphasizes that "together, the municipalities leverage their resources to promote a cohesive identity and build connections inside and outside the region."

In addition to addressing issues such as land use, housing, transportation, agriculture, natural and

cultural resources, recreation and open space, and community services, the plan update includes an extensive economic development component.

The three communities are to be commended for preparation and adoption of the plan. Now the real work begins as they undertake implementation. Key strategies for implementation include:

•   Create a Regional Planning and Economic De­velopment Advisory Group.

•   Accommodate a minimum of 85% of the re­gion's population and employment growth in Urban Growth Areas, while improving the character of new development.

•   Track and inventory new housing and commer­cial development, and revisit the Urban Growth Area analysis within 3-5 years to ensure suffi­cient development capacity in the future.

•   Improve parks and greenway connections to better take advantage of the region's location along the Susquehanna River, improve recre­ational opportunities, and preserve natural habitats.

•   Celebrate the region's successes in agricultural preservation, and continue to increase the number of permanently preserved farms.

•    Continue to regionalize public services (e.g., police, fire, and emergency services) to more ef­ficiently use resources and reduce costs.