Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 9

142 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 a substantial amount on that and we will be partnering with the local electric co-op and the local telephone co-op to greatly expand it.” Harry Davis, Professor of Finance for Appalachian State University Boone campus, emphasizes the importance of new residents being able to continue their professional jobs from Watauga County. He explains, “The per capita income or median household income for Watauga County are both lower than the North Carolina average and that’s because we don’t have the professional jobs – the finance and accounting and insurance-type jobs. Those people are making more than the median household income here, so as those people move here out of the cities because they can work from home, that will help raise the standard of living here in Watauga County.” Another way the county can do that is through workforce development programs with the high new ways to serve YOU ENERGIZING Focused on YOU BlueRidgeEnergy.com At Blue Ridge Energy, it’s all about serving you. That’s why we’re launching new services and enhancing existing ones. Reliable, affordable energy. 24/7 convenience. Blue Ridge Energy. Energizing new ways to serve YOU. Commission a couple years ago and while we didn’t have a whole lot of activity during COVID, that is another growth area for us on the tourism front.” The county is also improving their outdoor recreation opportunities, including adding paddle access on both rivers to ensure the local community and visitors can take advantage of these great natural resources without trespassing on private land. When it comes to internet and broadband services, Watauga County is working to improve service to the area – which will make it easier for those moving from out of state to continue to do their jobs from their new homes. According to Furman, “It’s not finalized yet, but it looks like it may be soon. One of the things that is an allowable expense under the American Rescue Plan dollars that come directly to local governments is broadband. We will be spending