The Fulton County Board of Commissioners has approved a long-term plan to permanently protect wetlands and green space from development.

The board action establishes a goal of putting aside 20 percent of the total land area in the county into permanently protected green space. It also establishes a trust fund where grant funds will collect interest until a suitable use is found.

The Fulton County Community Greenspace Program is a multi-jurisdictional cooperative effort between the county and its 10 cities. Upon adoption by the 10 cities, it must be submitted to the state of Georgia by the end of November.

The program is part of the statewide $30 million program initiated by Gov. Roy Barnes that gives grants to local governments to help put aside land for green space.

A $5.3 million grant will be divided up among Fulton County and the ten cities on a population basis. Unincorporated Fulton County's share will amount to about $1.5 million.

The grants should become available in the spring of 2001.

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