APA Policy Guides

Question 1

How does the Farmland Preservation Policy Act of 1981 define “Important Agricultural Land” (aka good agricultural land)?

Answer 1

Land consisting of either prime ag land, unique ag land, or other ag land that is of statewide or local importance.

Question 2

What is agricultural land being lost to?

Answer 2

1. Non-farm development (at a rate higher than population growth) 2. soil erosion

Question 3

What techniques should local governments use to protect agricultural land?

Answer 3

Right to farm laws, limiting infrastructure, preventing scattered development, agricultural zoning, preferential taxation of agricultural land, purchase or transfer of development rights, urban growth boundaries/urban services

Question 4

What is the Farmland Preservation Policy Act (FPPA) of 1981?

Answer 4

Passed by congress to minimize Federal programs that contribute to the unnecessary conversion of farmland into nonagricultural uses

Question 5

Why is billboard control necessary?

Answer 5

To protect and preserve the beauty, character, economic and aesthetic value of land and to protect the safety, welfare, and public health of citizens.

Question 6

Why is it difficult to enforce billboard ordinances?

Answer 6

Special interest provisions in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)

Question 7

What is ISTEA? When was it created? What does it do?

Answer 7

Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (successor to Federal Highway Beautification Act). Enacted in 1991. Requires states to control billboards adjacent to primary and interstate highways that receive federal aid.