Agenda - 02-16-2010 - 5c - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regional Legislative Agenda Page 2 Water Quality /Supply and Infrastructure: Triangle J supports legislation for the following water resource initiatives: • Legislation directed at managing water resources should encompass a regional approach, provide incentives for regional cooperation, and seek long -term solutions for water resource planning • Provide incentives and/or tax relief for low income households and small businesses that install water conservation devices and fixtures • Provide dedicated funding and grants for long -term water quality /supply planning and wastewater treatment needs for the region's cities, towns and counties to improve infrastructure and enable local governments to meet increasingly stringent water quality and stormwater requirements • Continued funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund • Passage of the one billion dollar state water bond with a prerequisite that conservation be a requirement of grant recipients • Regional councils to develop and implement multi jurisdictional water resource management planning and programs in every region of the state through the cooperation of local governments, water users, and other stakeholders. (Regional Councils will seek an appropriation of $1.4 million in 2009 and will work with DENR and other agencies to secure this funding and will support other legislation that fosters regional planning for water infrastructure.) HIGH PRIORITIES School Funding Needs: Triangle J supports legislation that establishes adequate and reliable funding of public schools in North Carolina that matches needs, resources, and mandates, along with efforts to restore the ability of school districts to receive state sales tax refunds or exemptions. The region will support legislation that reverses the existing and continuing trend of insufficient operational and capital funding for public schools, and will oppose the substitution of lottery funds for the School Capital Construction Fund (ADM). Triangle J will further seek legislation to establish a Legislative Study Commission on a phased increase in the mandatory school age limit from 16 to 18. Growth Management Strategy: Triangle J supports legislation that expands local land use tools, protects local land use authority and encourages state /regional/local cooperation to achieve sound growth rather than state mandates. The region will support the addition of local government appointees to the Legislative Oversight Committee established as a follow up to the state's Legislative Study Commission on Smart Growth, and will support the use of pilot projects as a means to demonstrate the effectiveness of incentive based planning. The local land use tools supported under such legislation would include inducements such as transfer of development rights, inclusionary zoning and housing programs, and expanded local revenue sources for community and regional infrastructure. Triangle J supports state funding for mixed income housing opportunities, environmental programs, open space /farm land, rural economic development, downtown/main street development, and other economic development incentives. Air Quality: Triangle J supports legislation to promote financial strategies for efforts that will reduce greenhouse gases, promotes clean air, and assist state and local government to meet attainment of EPA standards. The region supports linkage of air quality to growth management, transportation, and public health strategies to promote the use of alternative fuels and technology, avoid the adverse economic effects of pollution, and secure energy independence. Triangle J supports legislation that implements the "Air Quality Policy" recommended by the N.C. Joint Regional Forum, and the establishment of an Air Quality Trust Fund.