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2 <br /> REVISED RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE <br /> The remaining steps for the development of a reservoir on <br /> Seven Mile Creek involve a process that will take a minimum three <br /> to five years to accomplish. Reservoir scheduling discussions <br /> have been held between the County Manager's staff and John <br /> Pridgen, the engineer for the Town of Hillsborough. Mr. Pridgen <br /> proposes a development schedule of approximately three years, <br /> through completion of construction. The following schedule <br /> anticipates a total project time, including construction, of <br /> approximately five years. The primary differences between the <br /> schedules are the result of additional time for delay being <br /> allowed in the County's estimated schedule as described below. <br /> The schedule for the Town is based on the project progressing <br /> smoothly and without delay. <br /> There are three major areas in the development process where <br /> major delays can occur. The first area involves the execution of <br /> an agreement between the County, the Town of Hillsborough, and or <br /> other jurisdictions concerning the financing, ownership and <br /> operation of the reservoir. The financing details must be <br /> finalized in order to commit the funds required to pay for the <br /> preliminary engineering design phase. Commitments to financial <br /> arrangements can not be made until the ownership and operation <br /> decisions are finalized. Until this agreement is executed, all <br /> other steps in the development of the reservoir are held in <br /> abeyance. <br /> The second area of the reservoir development process where <br /> the possibility of delay exists is during the permitting process. <br /> If community opposition arises, the possibility of multiple public <br /> hearings and the full environment impact statement process becomes <br /> more certain. The extent of delay engendered in the hearing and <br /> environmental impact process is difficult to judge, but could <br /> reach two or more years. <br /> The third area where the possibility for delay in the <br /> reservoir development process exists is in the acquisitions of <br /> property. The timetable for this process is difficult to assess <br /> with any degree of accuracy, because it depends on the willingness <br /> of the property owners to sell their property. <br /> -1- <br /> 18252113 <br />