Marion one of handful of 'green' cities

By: From Staff Reports | McDowell News
Published: October 28, 2009

The city of Marion has been honored as an NCLM Green Challenge municipality by the N.C. League of Municipalities.
Marion achieved Advanced Level status by completing specific activities and projects to save energy, natural resources and money. Marion was one of only 22 out of more than 540 cities, towns and villages in North Carolina recognized for reaching the Advanced Level.
Cities and towns that achieved NCLM Green Challenge status were honored at the NCLM Annual Conference, October 25-27, 2009, at the Greenville Convention Center.
"Municipalities continue to lead the way in implementing sustainable operations and innovations that save energy, natural resources and money," said Morehead City Mayor Jerry Jones, 2008-2009 NCLM president. "The League is proud to honor these cities and towns that have made tough decisions that will have a positive impact on their communities, citizens, region and state for years to come."
The NCLM Green Challenge was the brainchild two years ago of then-NCLM President Susan Burgess, Charlotte council member, as a way to honor those municipalities that have taken the initiative to conserve energy and natural resources at the local government level.
Approximately 80 North Carolina municipalities, including Marion, achieved Level One Green Challenge status last year. This year, 22 more have been approved for Advanced Level, while 13 have been approved for Intermediate Level. In addition, four municipalities joined the ranks of the Level One Green Challenge communities this year.
"It is so exciting to see so many municipalities across the state continue to work hard on sustainability issues," said Burgess. "We will no doubt see municipal officials from these cities and towns share their good ideas with others over the next months and years so that even more communities can save energy and natural resources."
Marion Mayor Everette Clark stated that the city of Marion achieved the Advanced Level Green Challenge Status by demonstrating efforts to promote recycling, greenways and trails, energy conservation in city facilities, high density development and mixed use developments in areas served by existing infrastructure, tree planting and preservation and by pursuing other activities. Mayor Clark stated that "the Advanced Level recognition puts Marion in the top five percent of municipalities statewide in efforts to protect the environment, conserve energy and to save money. This award is a testament to the efforts made by our City Council, city staff and volunteers such as our Tree Board in numerous areas."
Founded in 1908, the League is a voluntary, nonpartisan association of more than 540 cities, towns and villages in North Carolina. The League advocates for municipalities at the state and federal level and provides a variety of direct services.
If you are interested in more information about the NCLM Green Challenge, please contact Margot Christensen at (919) 715-3931 or mchriste@nclm.org or Matt Lail at (919) 715-3929 or mlail@nclm.org.

Marion one of handful of 'green' cities

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