§ 42-82-1. Statement of legislative purpose.
(a) The general assembly recognizes that land suitable for food production in the state
has become an extremely scarce and valuable resource. The amount of good farmland
has declined so dramatically that unless a comprehensive program is initiated by the
state to preserve what remains it will be lost forever. It is in the best interest
of the people that the state identify and acquire the development rights to the remaining
land most endangered by development so as to maintain farming, productive open spaces,
and ground water recharge areas.
(b) The g
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§ 42-82-1. Statement of legislative purpose.
(a) The general assembly recognizes that land suitable for food production in the state
has become an extremely scarce and valuable resource. The amount of good farmland
has declined so dramatically that unless a comprehensive program is initiated by the
state to preserve what remains it will be lost forever. It is in the best interest
of the people that the state identify and acquire the development rights to the remaining
land most endangered by development so as to maintain farming, productive open spaces,
and ground water recharge areas.
(b) The general assembly finds that productive farmland is being converted to other uses
because its development value at present far exceeds its value for agricultural purposes;
that agriculture is an important part of the state's economy, environment, and quality
of life; and that local food production will become increasingly important to the
people of the state. It also finds that agricultural preservation will allow more
orderly development and permit the cities and towns to plan for and provide services
more adequately and at lower cost. Therefore, the general assembly establishes an
agricultural lands preservation commission to conduct the inventory and acquisition
of development rights to farmland in this state.