WELLINGTON, Kan. (AP) _ Sumner County leaders have chosen not to take part in a federal grant given to five Kansas counties to encourage sustainable development.
Opponents of the grant say it gives the federal government an entry into local planning decisions. Others link it to a 10-year-old United Nations international agreement that encourages efforts to promote sustainable development.
The Wichita Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/N6CTel) the $1.5 million grant encourages Sedgwick, Butler, Reno, Harvey and Sumner counties to take a regional approach to planning.
Paula Downs, project manager for the grant, says Sumner County's decision won't exempt it from planning decisions made under the grant. She also says the grant won't be revoked because of the county's vote.
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