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e) Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Issues Related to I-85 <br /> and I-40 <br /> Margaret Hauth said that the widening of these two interstates are in DOT's upcoming <br /> TIP. She said that both parties have interests in this. With I-85, the County and the Town <br /> have interests related to the different interchanges and slightly less interest in the widening of <br /> the interstate. Hillsborough has interest in the two interchanges in Town — Exits 165 and 164. <br /> Both parties have asked that the interchanges move forward first and the widening come <br /> behind. <br /> Orange County Planning Director Craig Benedict said that both Hillsborough and <br /> Orange County for the last ten years have put in comments about the appropriate widening (on <br /> the inside lanes so as not to push outwards). It is important to have those interchanges fully <br /> functional. He wants to take another strong look at the I-85 corridor to see if there is more <br /> possibility for improvement of those intersections by suggesting the full corridor improvement. <br /> On I-40, the widening would be on the inside also. <br /> Chair Pelissier asked about the timeframe for things coming before the Board. Eric <br /> Hallman said that they are prioritizing the TIP projects now. <br /> Margaret Hauth said that these projects will come back through the MPO process. <br /> Michael Gering asked if there was some reason why Orange County is the only part of <br /> I-85 that has not been improved as far as he can remember. <br /> Craig Benedict said that DOT wants to do it all together and not separate the widening <br /> from the improvements of the interchanges. <br /> Discussion ensued about the expense of the road improvements. <br /> Frank Clifton said that in the conversations he has had with DOT, it was discussed that <br /> Orange County is historically opposed to widening interstates and it puts Orange County at <br /> odds with the general policy of DOT to move traffic. He said that it might be good for both <br /> boards to state a position on this issue outside of this meeting. <br /> Chair Pelissier asked for the Board's pleasure. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that Orange County approves the MTIP each year and she <br /> suggested they look at the road projects listed in the MTIP, both the interstate and the local <br /> projects, and then make a recommendation. If Orange County and the MPO want to change <br /> soemthing, they can do that. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that the Board of County Commissioners has to persuade <br /> its partners to be on the same page, since this has not been the case up to this point. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that this is the opportunity now to come to a consensus, <br /> starting with the Town of Hillsborough. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to put in a plug for I-40 between 15-501 <br /> and Old NC 86, because Carolina North is planned in this area as well as UNC Hospital in <br /> Waterstone. He does not want to lose sight of I-40 in the discussions. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that if there is close to consensus amongst the Orange County <br /> representatives on the MPO, then it will have a weight with the Durham contingency. Overall, <br /> the MPO wants to go with what a county wants. She thinks that there is enough momentum <br /> for Orange County to make this work. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs suggested putting this on the agendas of other joint town <br /> meetings. <br /> 4. Parks <br />