Agenda - 04-23-2013 - 5f - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 23, 2013 Action Agenda Item No. 5 -f SUBJECT: Resolution in Support of the Proposed Old Well to Jordan Lake Scenic Byway DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No and Recreation ( DEAPR) ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACTS: 1) Resolution of Support David Stancil, 245 -2510 2) Map of Proposed Byway Corridor Rich Shaw, 245 -2514 3) Application Title Sheet 4) Existing Scenic Byways in Orange County PURPOSE: To consider a resolution of support for a joint application to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to designate a new scenic byway from Chapel Hill to Jordan Lake. BACKGROUND: Over the past two years, DEAPR has worked with citizen volunteers and staff from the Town of Chapel Hill and Chatham County to develop an application to the North Carolina Scenic Byways program. The application is for designation of a proposed new scenic byway that would link downtown Chapel Hill to Jordan Lake. The NC Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) has designated 51 scenic byways to give visitors and residents a chance to experience North Carolina history, geography and culture, while also raising awareness of its beautiful landscapes. Byways are carefully selected to portray the diverse beauty and culture of the state and provide travelers with safe and interesting alternative travel routes. There are three existing scenic byways in Orange County: the Colonial Heritage Highway (NC 86 north of Hillsborough), the Football Road (Old Greensboro Road west of Carrboro), and the Scots -Welsh Heritage Byway (Old NC 86, Arthur Minnis, Orange Grove, and Dairyland roads). In early 2010 Orange County staff submitted a preliminary proposal to the NCDOT Scenic Byway staff to receive feedback on a proposed new byway linking Mount Carmel Church Road to Jordan Lake. Orange County staff met with staff from Chatham County and Town of Chapel Hill to gauge interest in a collaborative effort. The elected boards from all three jurisdictions were favorable to developing a joint application. After traveling the initial proposed route, the NCDOT Scenic Byway staff recommended extending the route north into downtown Chapel Hill to incorporate the University and its rich history. Citizen volunteers working with the staff have recommended extending the route south to the middle of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Both changes enhance the drive and increase the likelihood of scenic byway designation.