Agenda - 12-02-2013 - 6g - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 2, 2013 Action Agenda Item No. 6-g SUBJECT: Orange County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) — Economic Development DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Resolution Craig Benedict, 919-245-2592 2. Application Documents Steve Brantley, 919-245-2326 3. Morinaga Site Map PURPOSE: To approve a resolution authorizing the submission of the Morinaga America Foods, Inc. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and authorize the Chair to sign the required application documents on behalf of the Board. BACKGROUND: Orange County staff and consultant Martin-McGill Associates propose to submit a CDBG application to the North Carolina Department of Commerce requesting $750,000 for critical site public infrastructure improvements in the Buckhorn Economic Development District (Buckhorn EDD). The CDBG program provides grants to non-entitlement local governments, including Orange County, in order to develop viable communities with the expansion of economic opportunities for the creation and retention of local jobs. Funds requested by Orange County would allow for site improvements in order for Morinaga America Foods, Inc. to build and staff a U.S. production facility in Orange County. The improvements consist of a 2,500 linear foot roadway design that would create an east-west access along Ben Wilson Road extension, and construction of a 3,700-foot, 16-inch water line (or possibly more linear feet if a loop system is required to augment fire flow) and a 1,500-foot, 10-inch sewer line to the site. In addition, the project would include survey work, an environmental assessment, and grant administration services. The proposed access road will be constructed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. In return for these efforts, Morinaga America Foods, Inc. will commit to investing in the community and creating jobs. Funding for projects is based on the number of jobs created and the level of distress in the community applying for the funds. Sixty percent of jobs created or retained in the project must be for persons qualifying as prior low and moderate income (LMI). CDBG funds granted to local governments are to be used for various types of infrastructure improvements to assist for-profit businesses in creating or retaining jobs. A match of approximately $250,000 will be required from the County's Article 46 (One-Quarter Cent) Sales and Use Tax. Funds provided from the County will be utilized primarily in conducting engineering design work and would leverage the full $750,000. Orange County has contracted for the design work.