RES-2008-024 Turkey Farm Road Bridge Resolution

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~~ 5 - x.068_0 ~, ~ 3 ~- ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMIVIISSIONERS RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the natural corridor of New Hope Creek preserves invaluable recreational and educational opportunities, open space, wildlife habitat, and other historic and natural resources; and WHEREAS, the preservation of the New Hope Creek Corridor is essential for maintaining the health of Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River Basin; and WHEREAS, the section of New Hope Creek at Turkey Farm Road supports a unique community of freshwater mussels akeady imperiled by drought and the impacts of urban development, including two State Endangered Species and Federal Species of Concern (Carolina Creekshell, Atlantic Pigtoe), one State Endangered Species (Brook Floater), one State Threatened Species (Creeper), one State Special Concern Species (Notched Rainbow), one State Significantly Rare Species (Eastern Creekshell), and additional rare species that may include a previously undiscovered species of Lampsilis mussel; and WHEREAS, Orange County, Durham County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the City of Durham have continuously reaffirmed our commitment to the preservation of the New Hope Creek corridor and its natural resources since our joint funding of the New Hope Open Space Master Plan in 1989, adoption of the Master Plan in 1991; appointment of the New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee to advise us on its implementation; and the subsequent expenditure of five million dollars of local, state and private funds for land protection pursuant to the Plan; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has in the past acknowledged the uniqueness of the New Hope Corridor and the value of the corridor to the community by responding to concerns of the local jurisdictions and the public with an expanded design for the bridge on US 15-501 over New Hope Creek to 300 feet with a 10-foot vertical clearance to enable safe wildlife passage and future greenway trails; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners respectfully requests that the North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Division of Water Quality, and other involved state agencies ensure the maintenance of high water quality, pristine habitat for aquatic species, passage for terrestrial wildlife, and adequate recreational access in the design and construction of the Turkey Farm Road Bridge at New Hope Creek. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners respectfully requests that the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other involved state agencies consult with the Advisory Committee in any decisions that may impact the New Hope Creek natural corridor and its planned preservation as laid out in the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan.