2008-118 ERCD - Memorandum of Understanding - Jordan Lake Partnership 02-17-2009 - 6b

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Z.i~-©9 G b Memorandum of Understanding Jordan Lake Partnership MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SUPPORTING A REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR WATER SUPPLY PLANNING AND POTENTIAL JOINT USE OF THE B. EVERETT JORDAN RESERVOIR WHEREAS, the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina has experienced three significant droughts within the past six years; and WHEREAS, the B. Everett Jordan Reservoir (Jordan Lake) has proven to be a reliable source of water supply; and WHEREAS, the Research Triangle Region continues to grow and serve as the premier economic engine for our State; and WHEREAS, the local government jurisdictions in the Research Triangle Region have responsible and thoughtful land use plans to accommodate the projected growth of our Region; and WHEREAS, the local government jurisdictions and their constituent water supply authorities are responsible for providing for the publicly owned water supply that has been a critical ingredient in the economic development of the Region; and, WHEREAS, only about two thirds of the total water supply capacity of Jordan Lake is currently allocated, and only about half of that allocated amount is currently being used; and, WHEREAS, Jordan Lake is a regional asset and it is understood that the use of its water supply requires a comprehensive and collaborative regional approach that will provide sustainable benefits, including: • Improved cooperation between local water utilities and ease of regulatory oversight; • Reduced unit costs through economies of scale in facility design, construction and operation of a potential joint use public water supply intake and other investments; • Increased flexibility and reliability of local water supplies, especially during droughts and other dynamic events; and • Enhanced ability to comply with federal and state drinking water standards; and • Sustainable use of regional drinking water resources; therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the signatories to this memorandum of understanding pledge to work together as part of a Jordan Lake Regional Water Supply Partnership (referred to as the Jordan Lake Partnership); and, BE IT RESOLVED, that the signatories will participate in the Jordan Lake Partnership for regional water supply planning related to Jordan Lake with the goal of collaboratively defining Jordan Lake's role in a long term sustainable and secure regional water supply for the Research Triangle Region; and, larch 16, 2009 Page 1 of 17 :;-,_