Ko Jae-Young
- Courses2
- Reviews2
- School: Texas A&M University
- Campus: Galveston
- Department: Economics
- Email address: Join to see
- Phone: Join to see
-
Location:
200 Seawolf Pkwy
Galveston, TX - 77554 - Dates at Texas A&M University: May 2010 - April 2011
- Office Hours: Join to see
Biography
Texas A&M University Galveston - Economics
Experience
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Assistant Professor
I have been teaching a graduate level course on environmental policy, and undergraduate level courses on marine resource management, statistics, and ecological economics.
Additionally I served facilitator in developing an international exchange program between Texas A&M University and Jeju National University in South Korea (http://www.jejunu.ac.kr/_html/eng/main.jsp), and served the program director of a marine science program to train a group of around thirty Korean students coming from the Korean university each summer from 2006 to 2008.Coastal Ecology Institute
Coastal Ecology Institute LSU
I worked on Louisiana’s coastal restoration projects as a member of federally and state funded projects. These projects included the effects of the re-introduction of Mississippi River water into deteriorating coastal wetlands, the use of wetlands for water quality improvement, and the environmental impacts of energy development. As a team member of interdisciplinary research team, composed of biologists, coastal geologists, hydrologists, and others, I was mainly responsible for analysis of socio-economic impacts of the projects.
Mississippi Political Science Association
President & Vice-President, Mississippi Political Science Association
*Represent the Mississippi Political Science Association
*Conference Program director for the 2017 Annual conference of Mississippi Political Science Association
* President: 2017-2018
*Vice-President:2016-2017
*Manage the Facebook and the website of Mississippi Political Science AssociationJackson State University
Associate professor
I have been teaching graduate level course on environmental policy, urban management issues, natural resource management, and comparative administration for the public policy and administration program.
I have been working on quantifying sustainable development, and associated issues on the overlapped area of energy, environmental and human systems, focusing on coastal ecosystems, including valuation of ecosystem services and common-pool resources management for marine living resources.
Education
State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry
PhD
Environmental Science
Syracuse University
MA
Political Science
Publications
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
Challenges in collaborative governance for coastal restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon river diversion in Louisiana
Coastal Management
In effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, since 1991. The diversion was implemented after a relatively long collaborative planning process beginning in the 1950s. The Caernarvon Interagency Advisory Committee, an official panel of stakeholders, considers scientific aspects of the freshwater inflow and stakeholder inputs in developing an operational plan, which internalizes stakeholder conflicts, while accomplishing goals of restoring the coastal ecosystem. Even though fishery representatives are committee members, local oyster fishers filed lawsuits in federal and state courts from 1994 through 2005, claiming damages to their oyster beds. These lawsuits were initially successful in state courts but were reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The federal suits were unsuccessful. Following these lawsuits, voters in Louisiana in 2000 amended the State Constitution to protect coastal restoration projects against lawsuits reflecting increasing overall statewide support. Increasing scientific knowledge has contributed significantly to diversion operation. For better collaborative governance, efforts to increase common understanding among stakeholders will be needed, and a process to compensate interests of stakeholders suffering from impacts of restoration projects at an earlier stage should be institutionalized.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
Challenges in collaborative governance for coastal restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon river diversion in Louisiana
Coastal Management
In effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, since 1991. The diversion was implemented after a relatively long collaborative planning process beginning in the 1950s. The Caernarvon Interagency Advisory Committee, an official panel of stakeholders, considers scientific aspects of the freshwater inflow and stakeholder inputs in developing an operational plan, which internalizes stakeholder conflicts, while accomplishing goals of restoring the coastal ecosystem. Even though fishery representatives are committee members, local oyster fishers filed lawsuits in federal and state courts from 1994 through 2005, claiming damages to their oyster beds. These lawsuits were initially successful in state courts but were reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The federal suits were unsuccessful. Following these lawsuits, voters in Louisiana in 2000 amended the State Constitution to protect coastal restoration projects against lawsuits reflecting increasing overall statewide support. Increasing scientific knowledge has contributed significantly to diversion operation. For better collaborative governance, efforts to increase common understanding among stakeholders will be needed, and a process to compensate interests of stakeholders suffering from impacts of restoration projects at an earlier stage should be institutionalized.
A Comparative Assessment of Green Economy Growth among Five State Capital Cities and Policy Recommendations in the United States
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Green economies have for decades been advocated as policy responses to environmental problems such as rising carbon emissions, climate change, and non-renewable energy dependence. In the United States, as a component of the green economy, efforts to increase green jobs have been emphasized as policy responses to local and national environmental issues, while revitalizing urban neighborhoods, and providing employment opportunities for the un-and-under-employed across the nation. However, the growth of these green economies has exhibited significantly different patterns in regional scales across the United States. We address the research question: what are the key attributes contributing to the growth of these green economies within certain select cities? We have examined the patterns of green economies in five state capital cities representing different regions of the country: Albany (NY), Austin (TX), Columbus (OH), Denver (CO), and Jackson (MS), and have found that the growth of green economy, regardless of region, is related to each state’s policy support, and direct initiative by state and local leaders, producing unique ways of supporting green economy growth. Cities showing bold and dynamic actions along with the establishment of an organized, goal-driven coalition have successfully increased green economy-related jobs. It has also been found that these different patterns are a reflection of each state’s broader political culture. However, after considering that the green economy is a job creation sector for the middle-class, which itself has been suffering for the last two decades, we argue that more efforts should be done in supporting green economy-related policy efforts across the nation.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
Challenges in collaborative governance for coastal restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon river diversion in Louisiana
Coastal Management
In effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, since 1991. The diversion was implemented after a relatively long collaborative planning process beginning in the 1950s. The Caernarvon Interagency Advisory Committee, an official panel of stakeholders, considers scientific aspects of the freshwater inflow and stakeholder inputs in developing an operational plan, which internalizes stakeholder conflicts, while accomplishing goals of restoring the coastal ecosystem. Even though fishery representatives are committee members, local oyster fishers filed lawsuits in federal and state courts from 1994 through 2005, claiming damages to their oyster beds. These lawsuits were initially successful in state courts but were reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The federal suits were unsuccessful. Following these lawsuits, voters in Louisiana in 2000 amended the State Constitution to protect coastal restoration projects against lawsuits reflecting increasing overall statewide support. Increasing scientific knowledge has contributed significantly to diversion operation. For better collaborative governance, efforts to increase common understanding among stakeholders will be needed, and a process to compensate interests of stakeholders suffering from impacts of restoration projects at an earlier stage should be institutionalized.
A Comparative Assessment of Green Economy Growth among Five State Capital Cities and Policy Recommendations in the United States
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Green economies have for decades been advocated as policy responses to environmental problems such as rising carbon emissions, climate change, and non-renewable energy dependence. In the United States, as a component of the green economy, efforts to increase green jobs have been emphasized as policy responses to local and national environmental issues, while revitalizing urban neighborhoods, and providing employment opportunities for the un-and-under-employed across the nation. However, the growth of these green economies has exhibited significantly different patterns in regional scales across the United States. We address the research question: what are the key attributes contributing to the growth of these green economies within certain select cities? We have examined the patterns of green economies in five state capital cities representing different regions of the country: Albany (NY), Austin (TX), Columbus (OH), Denver (CO), and Jackson (MS), and have found that the growth of green economy, regardless of region, is related to each state’s policy support, and direct initiative by state and local leaders, producing unique ways of supporting green economy growth. Cities showing bold and dynamic actions along with the establishment of an organized, goal-driven coalition have successfully increased green economy-related jobs. It has also been found that these different patterns are a reflection of each state’s broader political culture. However, after considering that the green economy is a job creation sector for the middle-class, which itself has been suffering for the last two decades, we argue that more efforts should be done in supporting green economy-related policy efforts across the nation.
Complying the EPA regulation of wastewater treatment utilizing ecosystem services of natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system in economically depressed communities in Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
As of 2008, 1,437 NPDES permits were issued for the wastewater treatment plants in State of Mississippi, with 53.9% violation rate, requiring more concentrated efforts of improving wastewater quality in the State. Utilizing natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system has been providing multiple benefits to the natural environment and economic savings to local communities: water quality improvement, increased vegetation productivity, surface accretion, and carbon sequestration (Day et al, 2004). Wetland assimilation is way of adopting natural services for sustainable human communities with reduced financial costs, while improving environmental quality of natural ecosystem surrounding human communities.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
Challenges in collaborative governance for coastal restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon river diversion in Louisiana
Coastal Management
In effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, since 1991. The diversion was implemented after a relatively long collaborative planning process beginning in the 1950s. The Caernarvon Interagency Advisory Committee, an official panel of stakeholders, considers scientific aspects of the freshwater inflow and stakeholder inputs in developing an operational plan, which internalizes stakeholder conflicts, while accomplishing goals of restoring the coastal ecosystem. Even though fishery representatives are committee members, local oyster fishers filed lawsuits in federal and state courts from 1994 through 2005, claiming damages to their oyster beds. These lawsuits were initially successful in state courts but were reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The federal suits were unsuccessful. Following these lawsuits, voters in Louisiana in 2000 amended the State Constitution to protect coastal restoration projects against lawsuits reflecting increasing overall statewide support. Increasing scientific knowledge has contributed significantly to diversion operation. For better collaborative governance, efforts to increase common understanding among stakeholders will be needed, and a process to compensate interests of stakeholders suffering from impacts of restoration projects at an earlier stage should be institutionalized.
A Comparative Assessment of Green Economy Growth among Five State Capital Cities and Policy Recommendations in the United States
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Green economies have for decades been advocated as policy responses to environmental problems such as rising carbon emissions, climate change, and non-renewable energy dependence. In the United States, as a component of the green economy, efforts to increase green jobs have been emphasized as policy responses to local and national environmental issues, while revitalizing urban neighborhoods, and providing employment opportunities for the un-and-under-employed across the nation. However, the growth of these green economies has exhibited significantly different patterns in regional scales across the United States. We address the research question: what are the key attributes contributing to the growth of these green economies within certain select cities? We have examined the patterns of green economies in five state capital cities representing different regions of the country: Albany (NY), Austin (TX), Columbus (OH), Denver (CO), and Jackson (MS), and have found that the growth of green economy, regardless of region, is related to each state’s policy support, and direct initiative by state and local leaders, producing unique ways of supporting green economy growth. Cities showing bold and dynamic actions along with the establishment of an organized, goal-driven coalition have successfully increased green economy-related jobs. It has also been found that these different patterns are a reflection of each state’s broader political culture. However, after considering that the green economy is a job creation sector for the middle-class, which itself has been suffering for the last two decades, we argue that more efforts should be done in supporting green economy-related policy efforts across the nation.
Complying the EPA regulation of wastewater treatment utilizing ecosystem services of natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system in economically depressed communities in Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
As of 2008, 1,437 NPDES permits were issued for the wastewater treatment plants in State of Mississippi, with 53.9% violation rate, requiring more concentrated efforts of improving wastewater quality in the State. Utilizing natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system has been providing multiple benefits to the natural environment and economic savings to local communities: water quality improvement, increased vegetation productivity, surface accretion, and carbon sequestration (Day et al, 2004). Wetland assimilation is way of adopting natural services for sustainable human communities with reduced financial costs, while improving environmental quality of natural ecosystem surrounding human communities.
Food Insecurity in the South: A Case Study of Food Desert Identification and Community-Based Solution in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Food insecurity is a major development within both rural and urban communities within the United States. A common denominator of food insecurity throughout the country is the lack of accessibility to affordable and nutritious food. The presence of such an issue is not only a focal area for public health but also areas such as community development, economic development and equity. Issues of equity related to food insecurity include, but not limited to representation at community meetings, perception of the community and lack of marketing by local economic development professionals. We focus upon food insecurity in Mississippi, using a case study for the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This paper seeks to detail and address the previous factors along with a detailed description of food insecurity, to identify food desert, and to address the issue such as community gardens, local land use policies and perceptions that affect the implementation strategies to mitigate food insecurity.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
Challenges in collaborative governance for coastal restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon river diversion in Louisiana
Coastal Management
In effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, since 1991. The diversion was implemented after a relatively long collaborative planning process beginning in the 1950s. The Caernarvon Interagency Advisory Committee, an official panel of stakeholders, considers scientific aspects of the freshwater inflow and stakeholder inputs in developing an operational plan, which internalizes stakeholder conflicts, while accomplishing goals of restoring the coastal ecosystem. Even though fishery representatives are committee members, local oyster fishers filed lawsuits in federal and state courts from 1994 through 2005, claiming damages to their oyster beds. These lawsuits were initially successful in state courts but were reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The federal suits were unsuccessful. Following these lawsuits, voters in Louisiana in 2000 amended the State Constitution to protect coastal restoration projects against lawsuits reflecting increasing overall statewide support. Increasing scientific knowledge has contributed significantly to diversion operation. For better collaborative governance, efforts to increase common understanding among stakeholders will be needed, and a process to compensate interests of stakeholders suffering from impacts of restoration projects at an earlier stage should be institutionalized.
A Comparative Assessment of Green Economy Growth among Five State Capital Cities and Policy Recommendations in the United States
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Green economies have for decades been advocated as policy responses to environmental problems such as rising carbon emissions, climate change, and non-renewable energy dependence. In the United States, as a component of the green economy, efforts to increase green jobs have been emphasized as policy responses to local and national environmental issues, while revitalizing urban neighborhoods, and providing employment opportunities for the un-and-under-employed across the nation. However, the growth of these green economies has exhibited significantly different patterns in regional scales across the United States. We address the research question: what are the key attributes contributing to the growth of these green economies within certain select cities? We have examined the patterns of green economies in five state capital cities representing different regions of the country: Albany (NY), Austin (TX), Columbus (OH), Denver (CO), and Jackson (MS), and have found that the growth of green economy, regardless of region, is related to each state’s policy support, and direct initiative by state and local leaders, producing unique ways of supporting green economy growth. Cities showing bold and dynamic actions along with the establishment of an organized, goal-driven coalition have successfully increased green economy-related jobs. It has also been found that these different patterns are a reflection of each state’s broader political culture. However, after considering that the green economy is a job creation sector for the middle-class, which itself has been suffering for the last two decades, we argue that more efforts should be done in supporting green economy-related policy efforts across the nation.
Complying the EPA regulation of wastewater treatment utilizing ecosystem services of natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system in economically depressed communities in Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
As of 2008, 1,437 NPDES permits were issued for the wastewater treatment plants in State of Mississippi, with 53.9% violation rate, requiring more concentrated efforts of improving wastewater quality in the State. Utilizing natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system has been providing multiple benefits to the natural environment and economic savings to local communities: water quality improvement, increased vegetation productivity, surface accretion, and carbon sequestration (Day et al, 2004). Wetland assimilation is way of adopting natural services for sustainable human communities with reduced financial costs, while improving environmental quality of natural ecosystem surrounding human communities.
Food Insecurity in the South: A Case Study of Food Desert Identification and Community-Based Solution in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Food insecurity is a major development within both rural and urban communities within the United States. A common denominator of food insecurity throughout the country is the lack of accessibility to affordable and nutritious food. The presence of such an issue is not only a focal area for public health but also areas such as community development, economic development and equity. Issues of equity related to food insecurity include, but not limited to representation at community meetings, perception of the community and lack of marketing by local economic development professionals. We focus upon food insecurity in Mississippi, using a case study for the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This paper seeks to detail and address the previous factors along with a detailed description of food insecurity, to identify food desert, and to address the issue such as community gardens, local land use policies and perceptions that affect the implementation strategies to mitigate food insecurity.
A fifty-year production and economic assessment of common property-based management of marine living common Resources: a case study for the women divers communities in Jeju, South Korea
Marine Policy
We examined the conditions of successful common property-based management for coastal marine living resources, using a case of historically and anthropologically well established women divers communities on Jeju Island, South Korea, focusing on their decentralized work rules and production records. Due to their tight social network and work rule, the women divers have harvested coastal marine living resources with limited fishing pressure exclusively from their village fishing grounds for over 400 years. However, their harvest patterns have been mostly reactive to market prices, eventually requiring direct governmental regulations such as total allowable catch in some cases. Most recently, the communities have been experiencing multiple challenges: their aging population, water pollution in the coastal zone, competition with cultured products and imported seafood, and expanding barren grounds. These challenges demand a multi-scale/dimensional response if the women divers communities are to keep their village fishing grounds and communities sustainable.
A correlation analysis of poverty with race, education, and economic well-being in Mississippi with suggested policy alternatives
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Mississippi is a financially poor state with nearly a quarter of its population living in poverty. This paper examined the county level relationships among poverty, race, economic well-being, and educational attainment in the state of Mississippi. Poverty, race, education, and wage-related data collected by federal and state agencies were used to define statistical relations among the socio-economic variables. The findings showed that there are statistically significant relationships among poverty, wage, education attainment, unemployment, and race. Poorer Mississippi counties and cities have shown higher Afro-American populations, lower wages, and high unemployment. Poverty impacts all races in Mississippi, but its most serious impacts are felt among black Mississippians. Wages and educational attainment tend to be worse in areas populated by more Afro-American persons than white persons, particularly in more rural areas. There are a number of policy alternatives available to help ameliorate this crisis such as increasing wages of Mississippi’s public employees, increased funding for public education, and a state-based Earned Income Tax Credit. These options have incredible potential to lift thousands of Mississippians, particularly racial minorities, out of chronic cycles of poverty.
Addressing teen birth in Southern urban communities in the United States
National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS). The 2014 NAAAS & Affiliates Special Events Monograph. Scarborough, ME., pp. 284-299.
Teen births come with high cost in terms of personal, medical, social, and economic consequences. Abstinence-only or abstinence plus sex education has been traditionally the major public policy for controlling the high teen birth rates in the Southern States, due to southern conservative religious beliefs. However, the programs fall short when addressing the needs of today’s urban youths. Mississippi tops the teen birth rate in the nation, and Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia are not that far behind. We investigated the underlying connection between poverty and teen birth rates in fifteen urban communities in five Southern states. We argue that only more comprehensive programs, which include the underlying causes of teen births and multiple aspects of a teen’s life, will be effective.
Using natural wetlands for municipal effluent assimilation: a half-century of experience for the Mississippi.In Nagabhatla, N., and C. D. Metcalfe (Eds.). Multifunctional Wetlands
Springer
There are ten active assimilation wetlands in coastal Louisiana and another four with permit applications pending. Results of annual monitoring show that nutrient concentrations of surface waters decrease with distance, reaching background levels before water leaves the wetland. While nutrient concentrations decrease, vegetative productivity is enhanced. In degraded forested wetlands being used as assimilation wetlands, baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings are often planted, which thrive in the nutrient rich environment. However, nutria are attracted to vegetation with increased nutrient concentrations, and this introduced species must be monitored and controlled. Pulsing of effluent between two or more sites should be incorporated to prevent prolonged flooding and to encourage seedling development and growth.
Economic determinant analysis of student academic performance in Mississippi public Schools
Journal of Public Management and Social Policy
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between economic determinants and student academic performance indicators of public school students in the State of Mississippi. It was hypothesized that public school districts with higher economic security leads to higher academic achievement. Data for the study were obtained through the Mississippi Department of Education Children’s First Annual Report for school year 2012 -2013, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Datacenter for 2013. Using bivariate analyses and multiple regression models, the results revealed that students’ academic performance indicators were statistically significantly with weak to moderate effects for each of the economic factors with the exception of unemployment rate in the bivariate analysis, and unemployment rate and median household income in the multiple regression model which were found to be nonsignificant. Further, the multiple regression analyses indicated that poverty in the school district was the best predictor in explaining the differences in student performance as an educational outcome. This study suggests that while student performance is linked to the school learning environment, residing in low-income families within high poverty school districts with a dwindling property tax-base is just as important when explaining the differences in student performance.
Challenges in collaborative governance for coastal restoration: Lessons from the Caernarvon river diversion in Louisiana
Coastal Management
In effort to restore deteriorating coastal wetlands in Breton Sound, Louisiana, a diversion of Mississippi River water into the estuarine ecosystem has been operated at Caernarvon, Louisiana, since 1991. The diversion was implemented after a relatively long collaborative planning process beginning in the 1950s. The Caernarvon Interagency Advisory Committee, an official panel of stakeholders, considers scientific aspects of the freshwater inflow and stakeholder inputs in developing an operational plan, which internalizes stakeholder conflicts, while accomplishing goals of restoring the coastal ecosystem. Even though fishery representatives are committee members, local oyster fishers filed lawsuits in federal and state courts from 1994 through 2005, claiming damages to their oyster beds. These lawsuits were initially successful in state courts but were reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The federal suits were unsuccessful. Following these lawsuits, voters in Louisiana in 2000 amended the State Constitution to protect coastal restoration projects against lawsuits reflecting increasing overall statewide support. Increasing scientific knowledge has contributed significantly to diversion operation. For better collaborative governance, efforts to increase common understanding among stakeholders will be needed, and a process to compensate interests of stakeholders suffering from impacts of restoration projects at an earlier stage should be institutionalized.
A Comparative Assessment of Green Economy Growth among Five State Capital Cities and Policy Recommendations in the United States
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Green economies have for decades been advocated as policy responses to environmental problems such as rising carbon emissions, climate change, and non-renewable energy dependence. In the United States, as a component of the green economy, efforts to increase green jobs have been emphasized as policy responses to local and national environmental issues, while revitalizing urban neighborhoods, and providing employment opportunities for the un-and-under-employed across the nation. However, the growth of these green economies has exhibited significantly different patterns in regional scales across the United States. We address the research question: what are the key attributes contributing to the growth of these green economies within certain select cities? We have examined the patterns of green economies in five state capital cities representing different regions of the country: Albany (NY), Austin (TX), Columbus (OH), Denver (CO), and Jackson (MS), and have found that the growth of green economy, regardless of region, is related to each state’s policy support, and direct initiative by state and local leaders, producing unique ways of supporting green economy growth. Cities showing bold and dynamic actions along with the establishment of an organized, goal-driven coalition have successfully increased green economy-related jobs. It has also been found that these different patterns are a reflection of each state’s broader political culture. However, after considering that the green economy is a job creation sector for the middle-class, which itself has been suffering for the last two decades, we argue that more efforts should be done in supporting green economy-related policy efforts across the nation.
Complying the EPA regulation of wastewater treatment utilizing ecosystem services of natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system in economically depressed communities in Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
As of 2008, 1,437 NPDES permits were issued for the wastewater treatment plants in State of Mississippi, with 53.9% violation rate, requiring more concentrated efforts of improving wastewater quality in the State. Utilizing natural wetlands as a component of wastewater treatment system has been providing multiple benefits to the natural environment and economic savings to local communities: water quality improvement, increased vegetation productivity, surface accretion, and carbon sequestration (Day et al, 2004). Wetland assimilation is way of adopting natural services for sustainable human communities with reduced financial costs, while improving environmental quality of natural ecosystem surrounding human communities.
Food Insecurity in the South: A Case Study of Food Desert Identification and Community-Based Solution in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research
Food insecurity is a major development within both rural and urban communities within the United States. A common denominator of food insecurity throughout the country is the lack of accessibility to affordable and nutritious food. The presence of such an issue is not only a focal area for public health but also areas such as community development, economic development and equity. Issues of equity related to food insecurity include, but not limited to representation at community meetings, perception of the community and lack of marketing by local economic development professionals. We focus upon food insecurity in Mississippi, using a case study for the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This paper seeks to detail and address the previous factors along with a detailed description of food insecurity, to identify food desert, and to address the issue such as community gardens, local land use policies and perceptions that affect the implementation strategies to mitigate food insecurity.
A fifty-year production and economic assessment of common property-based management of marine living common Resources: a case study for the women divers communities in Jeju, South Korea
Marine Policy
We examined the conditions of successful common property-based management for coastal marine living resources, using a case of historically and anthropologically well established women divers communities on Jeju Island, South Korea, focusing on their decentralized work rules and production records. Due to their tight social network and work rule, the women divers have harvested coastal marine living resources with limited fishing pressure exclusively from their village fishing grounds for over 400 years. However, their harvest patterns have been mostly reactive to market prices, eventually requiring direct governmental regulations such as total allowable catch in some cases. Most recently, the communities have been experiencing multiple challenges: their aging population, water pollution in the coastal zone, competition with cultured products and imported seafood, and expanding barren grounds. These challenges demand a multi-scale/dimensional response if the women divers communities are to keep their village fishing grounds and communities sustainable.
Policy adoption of ecosystem services for a sustainable community: a case study of wetland assimilation using natural wetlands in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.
Ecological Engineering
Academicians and government officials have advocated incorporating ecosystem services into environmental policy-making processes. The State of Louisiana has adopted policy guidelines for using natural wetlands to assimilate nutrients in secondarily treated municipal effluent, thus utilizing ecosystem services of natural wetlands. We describe a case study for the city of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, to discuss policy guidelines and assess ecological and financial benefits of this approach. In addition to water quality improvement, wetland assimilation provides additional ecosystem services, including increased vegetative productivity, surface accretion, and carbon sequestration. Financially, using wetland assimilation at Breaux Bridge generated an economic savings of $1.8 million in capital costs and annual savings of $72,116 for operation and maintenance costs, resulting in nearly $3 million savings over the lifetime of the project, due to its low capital expenditures and high energy efficiency, compared with a sand filtration method. When considering rapidly depleting non-renewable resources (e.g., fossil fuels) and challenging financial situations of small communities across the nation, wetland assimilation can be an important factor in designing sustainable communities.
