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154 <br /> opportunities. Many of these proven benefits of light rail systems,particularly the environmental <br /> benefits, are detailed more fully in our comments submitted on the Draft Environmental Impact <br /> Statement and the NCCU Supplemental Environmental Assessment, attached and incorporated <br /> by reference.6 When considering the financial costs of the project, we encourage you to consider <br /> them in the context of the plentiful benefits that will accrue to Orange County. <br /> Finally, SELC continues to urge GoTriangle and the local governments to carefully <br /> consider affordable housing concerns and incorporate appropriate planning tools to ensure that <br /> affordable housing opportunities exist near the light rail line. We are pleased that GoTriangle <br /> has included funds for Joint Development projects in its cost estimates, and that the agency is <br /> already investigating plans for a number of viable affordable housing projects along the light rail <br /> line.' Enhancing access and equity for residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds in Orange <br /> County are some of the many benefits of this light rail system, and establishing affordable <br /> housing is important in order to maximize those benefits. <br /> Conclusion <br /> We are pleased to offer our support for the Draft Orange County Transit Plan and to <br /> submit these positive comments regarding the Plan. We are particularly excited about the <br /> Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project and urge you to maintain your support for this <br /> essential transportation investment. The Plan demonstrates that not only is the Durham-Orange <br /> Light Rail Transit project feasible, but so are other transit improvements that the County has <br /> envisioned. We look forward to watching the Plan's recommendations become a reality. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Kym Hunter <br /> Staff Attorney <br /> /�* .. ( <br /> Ramona H. McGee <br /> Associate Attorney <br /> 6 See Attachment 1 (2015-10-13 SELC Comments on D-O LRT DEIS)and Attachment 2(2016-12-07 SELC <br /> Comments on D-O LRT NCCU Refinement Supplemental EA). <br /> See Patrick McDonough,Joint Development and the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit(D-O LRT)Project:A <br /> Prospectus for the Federal Transit Administration(FTA)(Dec.28,2016). <br /> 3 <br />