The criteria proposed by Lochmoeller et al . (1975) that are often used in 

 setting up new industries or expanding old industries are as follows: 



Select only major metropolitan areas which have the expecta- 

 tion of substantial population and economic growth. Be cer- 

 tain that the site is served by either an existing expressway 

 system or one slated for construction. Assess the direction 

 and type of industrial growth near such areas as highway, 

 airports or seaports. Ascertain both community attitudes 

 toward industry and economic pressures in a given area. De- 

 termine type of industries which are expanding or which might 

 move into the region. When selecting a specific site it is 

 further important to estimate the amount of land required 

 through a study of local absorption rates. Seek sites which 

 are immediately accessible to major highway routes or have 

 highway frontage; are adjacent to the main line of a rail- 

 road; or near an airport or, if appropriate, near a harbor. 

 Watch topography; acquire land with minimum of ledge rock, 

 water, and peat or soft ground. Ascertain that water, gas, 

 electricity, telephone and, if possible, sewers should serve 

 the site, at competitive rates with appropriate capacity. 



Based on these criteria, much of the future industrial development pro- 

 bably will locate in or near Pensacola in Escambia County, Panama City in Bay 

 County, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County. It is unlikely that other 

 cities will have much industrial development, except Milton in Santa Rosa 

 County, which may be affected by development in nearby Pensacola. 



One of the problems of industrial development is locating potential sites 

 in floodplains. "Historically, industrial development followed the course of 

 railroads along the river valleys. Because most of these rail lines are being 

 used, and interest in the availability of multi-modal transportation is in- 

 creasing, flood plains are attractive to industrial development" (Lochmoeller 

 et al . 1975). The problem in Northwest Florida is the double threat of hurri- 

 cane surge and riverine flooding. Although riverine flooding in Northwest 

 Florida is not considered a major problem except in the Apalachicola River 

 Basin, hurricane surge or tidal flooding (caused by hurricanes and storms) 

 frequently causes severe damage to coastal flood plains. Hurricane surge 

 heights have reached about 4.2 meters (14 feet) in Northwest Florida. Pensa- 

 cola, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, and Milton have suffered severe damage 

 from windblown tidal surges. Because of the present trend of development in 

 and around floodplains, there is an acute need for systematic floodplain 

 management programs (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1980a). 



Another problem concerns the location of industrial development. Coastal 

 Florida is a mixture of beaches, dunes, wetlands, and higher ground. Much of 

 the land that is best suited for development is low and subject to tidal 

 surges; therefore land uses should be carefully planned. Competition for 

 suitable land for industrial and other types of land use is acute, which some- 

 times leads to improper land use, e.g., the development of cheaper lowlands 

 that are more vulnerable to winds and water surges. 



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