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<br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/FINANCIAL <br />Both the Durham and Wake County transit plans propose a commuter rail <br />component that would be scheduled to be operational in the mid-term (2018) <br />versus the longer term (2025) for potential LRT. Could Orange County be <br />studied and monies estimated for Commuter Rail to Hillsborough as part of the <br />longer term? Paul Morris, NC Deputy Secretary for Transit spoke recently of <br />state interest in upgrading commuter lines and freight lines to assist in economic <br />development, which would be the case in the Efland-Buckhorn economic <br />development zones west of Hillsborough. <br />2. Could a circulator route be added to the bus service element within the Chapel <br />Hill and Carrboro area to provide better access to shopping opportunities within <br />Orange County for Orange County residents? Bolstered sales revenues can be <br />reinvested within Orange County. <br />STAFF POST NOTE <br />Although it is difficult to summarize the technical and philosophical questions from the <br />BOCC related to the AA and LPA and how it comports to the unique challenges of <br />multiple travel patterns and corridors and status of economic development opportunities <br />in Orange County, staff has made a reasonable compilation. In summary, they asked <br />how can our regional fixed route transit investment of over $80 million, not including the <br />$5 million annual investment in bus service, be spent to serve the needs of Orange <br />County residents and businesses in a manner that will create return benefits of land <br />use, environment and economic development that matches the vision of Orange County <br />residents (i.e. matching the corridor and technology to the appropriate scale of the <br />Durham-Orange corridor). <br />Page 5 of 5 <br />