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15 <br />STATUS OF' ORANGE COUNTY ECONONIIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS <br />Employment of an Interim Duector to lead the County's efforts is now in place. <br />Mr. Gary Shope brings considerable North Carolina and regional experience to <br />the County. He will be analyzing our organization providing recommendations <br />designed to build upon our strengths and address needed improvements. <br />2. The Planning.Board and county staff are actively moving the U.D.O project <br />toward adoption and implementation. <br />3. The Efland sewer system completion is being pursued. It is a $4 million project <br />with $1.4 million in federal grant funding. <br />4. County staff is negotiating expanded utility options with the cities of Mebane and <br />Durham with the intent to extend utility availability into the County's economic <br />development zones located along Highway 70 and I - 85. <br />5. Engineering services are under contract for the design of alternative sewer and <br />water system extensions from the system operated by the City of Mebane into the <br />Buckhom economic development zone. <br />6. County staff is formalizing recommendations for consideration and adoption by <br />the County Commission for a program providing business development/expansion <br />incentive grants. <br />7. County staff is refuting a proposal for County Commission consideration that <br />would establish an appropriate number of specific utility districts within the <br />County's economic development zones. These districts would provide the basic <br />financial vehicle via a special assessment or properly tax to assist in funding <br />utility infrastructure. <br />8. A need exists to provide high speed Internet services and broadband coverage <br />within many areas of Orange County including the County's economic <br />development zones. County staff is establishing priority locations where cell <br />towers could be placed to expand access to broadband coverage throughout the <br />county especially in areas of potential economic development. The County is <br />seeking partnerships with private sector providers to deliver these services. <br />9. Thy County's small business loan program has become an active tool to assist <br />local business expansions and diversification. <br />10. County staff has initiated and will expand discussions with local landowners and <br />private development groups to facilitate prepared sites and business parks to be <br />marketed within Orange County for new business expansions. <br />