Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
VOTE: Ayes, 4; No, 1(Commissioner Brown) <br /> John Link said that this would be part of the last work session on June 24`h. He thinks that the <br /> staff needs to articulate when it comes to capital items that are funded in the CIP, how those are different <br /> from items that are funded in the operating budget that are still capital. The Board has different policies <br /> for both. The staff needs to specify the funding source. <br /> 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA <br /> a. Proposed Application to N.C. DOT Transportation Enhancement Program <br /> The Board considered submitting an application to the State Department of Transportation's <br /> enhancement program for acquisition of conservation easements and bike lanes along identified scenic <br /> road corridors. <br /> Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil summarized the information <br /> in the abstract. There is a total of$10 million available statewide for this program. However, broken <br /> down by district, there is $577,000 available for this district. The recommendation is to submit a request <br /> for funding in the amount of$250,000 for this program for the acquisition of conservation easements <br /> along scenic corridors as well as potential construction of bike lanes where those places overlap. The <br /> application must be submitted by June 28`h <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to the map and said that it does not show any roads in <br /> the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. She said that when the Southern Small Area Plan was approved, it is her <br /> recollection that there were at least two roads that were in the rural buffer that were proposed to be <br /> scenic roads — Smith Level Road and Mt. Carmel Church Road. She asked if we could check that out <br /> and include these roads. <br /> David Stancil said that the scenic road corridor that was adopted was for the land use <br /> element of the plan, which excludes the joint planning area. He is not aware of a scenic road component <br /> in the joint planning area. <br /> Commissioner Brown said that the small area plan did point out Smith Level Road and Mt. <br /> Carmel Church Road from the watershed line out to the County line as scenic vista. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that it seems like it would be up to the County to identify the lands <br /> and not the State. <br /> Mike Mills said that the application would be reviewed by DOT staff in Raleigh and they would <br /> determine if it is feasible. Then the Division would meet with the County and find out if it is doable (right- <br /> of-ways, etc.). As long as the County certifies the roads, they can be submitted. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt and <br /> authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below and to submit the application along the lines <br /> outlined to the NCDOT Transportation Enhancement Program prior to the June 28, 2002 deadline. <br /> Commissioner Gordon added to the end of the resolution, "and as otherwise identified by Orange <br /> County." The Board accepted this amendment. <br /> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE <br /> N. C. TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County had adopted a Bicycle Plan as well as a Scenic Road Corridors map as part <br /> of the Land Use Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan; and <br /> WHEREAS, the County's Lands Legacy program has over the past two years worked with willing <br /> landowners to acquire critical natural and cultural resource lands in the County; and <br /> WHEREAS, there is a need for bicycle lanes on a variety of roadways in Orange County to provide for <br /> alternative transportation modes for County citizens; and <br /> WHEREAS, the acquisition of scenic easements along identified roadways helps protect the County's <br /> rural character and quality of life; and <br />