Agenda - 04-07-2009 - 5a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

DURHAM 1 $ CITY OF DURHAM coP�F OFFICE of THE MAYOR MAYOR mr 01 101 CITY HALL. PLAZA 4 DURHAM, NC 27 x' 919. 560.4333 �& fax 919.560.4801 www.durhamnc.gov March 19, 2009 Dear Elected Officials and Managers of local govemments in Orange County, I w:Lite to encourage you to enact a resolution in support of a compromise on the contested. Jordan. Rules. Life the City of Durham, you have probably received a request fiworn the Cbatham County Commissioners to support all of the proposed. Jordan fake Mules. Durham's City Council has declined to do that. histead, our Council believes that the most reasonable approach to the Jordan. Rubs must involve a substantial modification to the existing development rule. we hope you will agree, and adopt official positions similar to Durbam's. Durham has been proactive in many environmental initiatives over the years. However, our Council cannot support the Jordan. Rules, given the questionable science and assumptions behind the rules and their immense economic* impact. They target a 'rater body that, in the main, is functioning well, especially in light of the dire predictions made when it was created.. In particular, they impose unreasonable costs on the Upper New ,dope governments and their citizens. The Upper New, Hope, arm plays a valu able ' rote in reducing pollutants that would otherwise be reaching the Lower New Hope ann.. Requiring our m-m to meet the same water quality standards that more "pristine" water sources meet males no sense. If you are interested in reviewing more materials regarding the Jordan Rules, Durham's* web site at littp,,://www.durhamne-gov/dppartrngpla/wniTordan lake rules.cfpa contains a number of useful resources, including an informative engineering article regarding the lake's history. The Durham. City Council has approved a resolution that we believe' sets forth a reasonably: cony. .p romise on the Jordan. Rules. Y attach it for your' consideration and support. Although our position is. a compromise, in no way do we believe that it compromises the health of the lake. The tight restrictions on wastewater and on now development will ensure that local governments, ratepaying citizens, and private sector developers will be contributing significant resources toward the goal of continuing to protect the health. of Jordan. Lake. It is important that Triangle governments speak up immediately, with one voice, with regard to the Jordan Rules. Alternative legislation to the total disapproval bills already submitted by lewslators is in the wo oks. These alternatives may not make the changes heeded to existing development roan s les a act in concert. Good Things Are Hgppening In Durham