Orange County NC Website
RES- 2013 -015 EXHIBIT B <br />Resolution to Support 2013 -2015 Funding for the <br />Clean Water Management Trust Fund <br />Whereas, the 1996 North Carolina General Assembly established the Clean Water Management <br />Trust Fund to provide an innovative and non- regulatory approach to the protection and restoration <br />of the surface waters all across the state; and <br />Whereas, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund is a non - regulatory program established to help <br />meet infrastructure needs of municipalities and counties, restore degraded surface water, protect <br />watersheds, increase recreational opportunities, and enhance quality of life in this state, all critical <br />components for communities to obtain a competitive edge in their economic development; and <br />Whereas, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund has funded 452 infrastructure projects to assist <br />North Carolina communities balance infrastructure needs with environmental protection and to help <br />struggling communities become self - reliant with future infrastructure needs; and <br />Whereas, infrastructure needs across the state addressing drinking water, wastewater, and <br />stormwater are estimated at $16.6 billion between 2005 and 2030; and <br />Whereas, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund has leveraged more than $1 billion of private, <br />local and federal funds to support projects, and Orange County has, either directly or in partnership <br />efforts with other entities, benefited from approximately $2.6 million in grants and approximately <br />$2.3 million in loans from the Fund; and <br />Whereas, the General Assembly has reduced funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund <br />by 78% since 2010; and <br />Whereas, limited funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund left 88% of 2012 critical <br />local needs unmet and <br />Whereas our economic vitality, health and ability to sustain ourselves and the natural environment <br />all rely on clean water; and <br />Whereas, surface water must be protected to ensure sufficient drinking water supply for the state's <br />growing industrial base and population; and <br />Whereas, Clean Water Management Trust Fund has provided grant(s) to Orange County to do one <br />or more of the following: to protect, restore or enhance surface water quality for the benefit of the <br />state's agriculture, military, recreation and tourism economies and to protect our natural heritage for <br />the benefit of all North Carolinians; <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners at its <br />meeting on February 19, 2013 that Orange County supports the Clean Water Management Trust <br />Fund and requests that the Fund receive an increase in recurring funding from the Governor and the <br />North Carolina General Assembly for the 2013 -2015 biennial budget. <br />This the 19"' day of February 2013. <br />16 <br />