Agenda - 02-12-2008-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 12, 2008 Action Agenda Item No. _~__ SUBJECT• Regional Value-Added Shared Use Food & Agricultural Processing Center DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): 1. Orange County Ag Preservation INFORMATION CONTACT: Board Letter & Recommended Noah Ranells 245-2330 Resolution and Action Items Willie Best 245-2300 Schedule 2. 12/17/07 Meeting Summary 3. Feasibility Report /Executive Summary (Under Separate Cover) PURPOSE: To consider Orange County's participation in the Regional Value Added Shared Use Food & Agricultural Processing Center and review, provide comments, and express support for a proposed resolution and concurrence with Proposed Feasibility Action Items. BACKGROUND: On November 30, 2007, a feasibility study was completed. The study included 62 completed surveys which resulted in a significant justification for the creation of a regional value added shared use food processing center as well as a strong "buy local" component. During a four county search of Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties for a possible site location, consultant Smithson Mills recommended the former Orange Enterprise Building on Valley Forge Road in Hillsborough as the most competitive site. During a November 27, 2007 meeting in Hillsborough, commissioners from Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties expressed their appreciation for the feasibility report and agreed to address the report at their respective commissioner meetings as well as the relevant advisory boards. It was agreed also that each respective board of county commissioners would indicate its interest to proceed as part of a regional partnership to develop the center. It was agreed that the regional partnership consider hiring a project developer to steward the project through fundraising, facility renovation, equipment acquisition, and developing targeted programs for clients. On December 11, 2007, the Orange County BOCC was presented with the Feasibility Report and directed staff to schedule a work session to explore options for Orange County's participation in this project. Many partners and stakeholders have reviewed the feasibility study. On February 4, 2008, the Alamance County Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a resolution supporting the project. Chatham and Durham Counties will be evaluating the project at their upcoming meetings during the month of February.