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New `green infrastructure' funding may be available to local governments covered by <br /> the Jordan Lake Rules. This could include federal stimulus monies in NC directed to these <br /> jurisdictions, and state programs such as the Community Conservation Assistance Program <br /> (CCAP) that provide financial assistance for urban stormwater retrofits <br /> Local Benefits to Orange County: <br /> - Restore the health of all the streams in the watershed by reducing stormwater <br /> pollution. Currently only streams that flow to the Cane Creek and University Lake <br /> watersheds, or to the Eno River have enhanced protections in Orange County for <br /> construction and post-construction impacts. The Jordan Lake rules could give the <br /> remaining creeks in Orange County better protection too. This means cleaner <br /> creeks in our neighborhoods that are safe to enjoy. <br /> - Provide faster recharge of groundwater, by using retrofit methods that slow down <br /> stormwater in urban areas and capturing of rainwater in cisterns and other methods <br /> to use during droughts. This could prove to be a very important benefit when the <br /> next severe drought comes to the Piedmont. <br /> - Provide new local green jobs to the individuals who will be performing retrofits of <br /> new and existing development, and upgrades at wastewater treatment plants. <br /> These jobs can't be outsourced. <br /> Protecting Water for Those Downstream <br /> Jordan Lake cannot become healthy again unless local governments take steps to <br /> reduce the existing sources of nutrient pollution. If we want to see the Lake meet water quality <br /> standards we need to reduce the pollution (and velocity) in runoff from the older parts of towns <br /> and cities, and subdivisions built before we understood how to better protect water quality. <br /> Jordan Lake is a very important resource in North Carolina — used by downstream neighbors <br /> for drinking water, and for recreation and nature enthusiasts from all over the state — including <br /> many residents of Orange County. Ultimately, we all live downstream, and we all hope our <br /> upstream neighbors will protect our waters. <br /> The Haw River Assembly urges the members of the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners to adopt a resolution to the General Assembly that supports the rules passed <br /> by the EMC to protect Jordan Lake. Your support now will mean that the rules that emerge <br /> from the General Assembly will have a better chance of being strong enough to be effective in <br /> cleaning up Jordan Lake. <br /> Thank you for your consideration of this important issue. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Elaine Chiosso <br /> Haw RIVERKEEPER <br /> www.hawriver.org" <br /> Wanda Sandermann echoed what Kathy Buck said. She said that if we are going to <br /> teach children best practices, then the adults should use them as well. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz referred to the first item —Revenue Options for Local <br /> Governments - and said that he has a problem with the legislature telling them what to do and <br /> he is opposed to that item in the legislative agenda. <br />