143-506.12. Policy areas.

The following program area guidelines shall become the policy for the State of North Carolina:

(1) To encourage diversified job growth in different areas of the State, with particular attention to those groups which have suffered from high rates of unemployment or underemployment, so that sufficient work opportunities at high wage levels can exist where people live;

(2) To encourage the development of transportation systems that link growth areas or centers together with appropriate levels of service;

(3) To encourage full support for the expansion of family-owned and operated units in agriculture, forestry and the seafood industry as the basis for increasing productive capacity;

(4) To encourage the development and use of the State's natural resources wisely in support of Balanced Growth Policy while fulfilling the State's constitutional obligation to protect and preserve its natural heritage;

(5) To promote the concept that a full range of human development services shall be available and accessible to persons in all areas of the State;

(6) To encourage the continued expansion of early childhood, elementary, secondary and higher education opportunities so that they are improving in both quality and availability;

(7) To encourage excellent technical training for North Carolina workers that prepares them to acquire and hold high-skill jobs and that encourages industries which employ high-skill workers to locate in the State;

(8) To encourage the availability of cultural opportunities to people where they live;

(9) To encourage the expansion of local government capacity for managing growth consistent with this Balanced Growth Policy; and

(10) To encourage conservation of existing energy resources and provide for the development of an adequate and reliable energy supply, while protecting the environment.