Politics & Government
Farmland Protection Was A Central Theme Of Oconee County Citizen Group Meeting Regarding U.S. 441 Widening and Bishop Bypass
Audience member said "We need to stay organized and informed and push what's best for the town of Bishop, Oconee County and environment."
When given the opportunity to speak on Thursday night, Carole Ludwig, 1510 Old Farmington Road, outside Bishop, seized it quickly.
“Yea, I want to talk,” Ludwig told the more than 40 people assembled at the Oconee County Library in Watkinsville to discuss the proposed widening of U.S. 441 and construction of a bypass of Bishop.
Ludwig said her farm’s horse-breeding operation has been successful “because we can grow grass in Oconee County. It’s wonderful. There’s plenty of wonderful water. We’re close enough to markets.”
Ludwig’s 51-acre farm is one of those selected for protection through the county and federal farmland protection program because of its fertile land and active use for farming.
Maps also show that Ludwig’s farm would be dissected if the Georgia Department of Transportation follows a route it identified as preferred during a private meeting with a few county officials in June.
Ludwig made it clear she intends to fight that outcome and said “We need to stay organized and informed and push what’s best for the town of Bishop, Oconee County and the environment.”
For more on the story, including a full video of the meeting, go to Oconee County Observations.
Pictured: Carole Ludwig