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6 <br /> placed upon parcels of real property that have been previously certified under the N.C. <br /> Department of Commerce Site Certification Program. The City has also entered into an <br /> Interlocal Agreement with Alamance County and the City of Graham for the development of an <br /> economic development zone, consisting of approximately 1 ,200 acres. The units are delegating <br /> the site certification services to the Alamance Foundation of the Chamber of Commerce. As an <br /> integral part of this process in Alamance, there have been a number of public meetings targeted <br /> to the individual property owners in the Zone, which has been named the North Carolina <br /> Commerce Park. The City staff believes a similar site certification approach with Orange <br /> County in the Buckhorn Economic Development District would be advantageous. Industrial, <br /> manufacturing and distribution facilities would help recover the substantial expenditure by <br /> Orange County for water and sewer infrastructure in the Buckhorn District. The City recognizes <br /> that the utility infrastructure in the Buckhorn District and the strong public school system in <br /> Orange County will serve as major draws for national and international companies looking for <br /> locations. City staff believes that site certification of parcels in the Buckhorn District would <br /> further the development of the Zone. A brief overview of the site certification process is <br /> provided in Attachment 4. <br /> Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the governing boards can discuss <br /> issues related to this item as necessary. <br /> Attachment 4 — Site Certification Presentation <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this agenda item: <br /> • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY <br /> The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding <br /> necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for <br /> themselves and their dependents. <br /> To the extent that the certification process will lead to the development of new businesses in the <br /> Buckhorn Economic Development District, the process would create new employment <br /> opportunities for Orange County residents. <br /> 5. Lake Michael — Bike/Pedestrian Trails <br /> The City of Mebane, with support from the Burlington-Graham MPO and NCDOT, completed a <br /> nine-month comprehensive planning effort to develop the Mebane Bicycle and Pedestrian <br /> Transportation Plan (MBPTP). The planning process involved multiple citizen engagement <br /> opportunities and was guided by a Steering Committee of City representatives, stakeholders, <br /> and local citizen volunteers. <br /> The MBPTP will assist the Council with funding priorities and pursuing funding opportunities <br /> from the MPO, NCDOT, CWMTF and various other grants. The City recognizes the positive <br /> economic and health impacts that a more walkable and bikeable community can have. This <br /> Plan is a guidance document for addressing infrastructure, safety, connectivity, policy, <br /> programs, design, and implementation. <br /> As Orange County continues to discuss a future bond referendum for public improvements, <br /> Mebane would be interested in funding for potential trail and sidewalk improvements within <br />