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ITEM 6.b. The proposed Old Well to Jordan Lake Scenic Byway (15 miles long) features a number of locations with historical, natural, recreational, and educational values. It begins on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill and go generally south along Columbia Street (NC 86) and Mount Carmel Church Road into Chatham County. The route would then pass through the Governor’s Club area along Farrington Point Road and continue south across two sections of Jordan Lake to where the road ends at NC 64 in the middle of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Here there is a park office, restrooms, boat ramp, swimming beach, and picnic areas. It is also known throughout central North Carolina as a prime destination for bird watching and stargazing. From Jordan Lake travelers could continue on their journey (via NC 64) or loop back to Chapel Hill along the same roads or on a somewhat different route. The alternative byway returns north on Farrington Point Road, Lystra Road (SR 1721), US 15-501, and Old Lystra Road (SR 1915) until it rejoins Mt. Carmel Church Road and back to Chapel Hill. (See proposed route map attached.) The proposed designation of the Old Well to Jordan Lake Scenic Byway would not impose any new land-use restrictions or modifications along the roadways. The NCDOT Scenic Byway materials include following implications for scenic byway designation: x The Scenic Byway system is intended to identify, not create, scenic byways. x NCDOT will incorporate the rules prescribed to sustain the integrity and safety of the Scenic Byway/Highway system into its planning and maintenance operations. x Scenic byway designation does not require any modification in local land use regulations/restrictions or require any change in commercial or agricultural activity. x Scenic byway designation does not affect future highway rehabilitation, development, or the need to maintain or improve the roads. x No new outdoor advertising signs may be erected adjacent to a designated scenic byway that is or becomes part of the National Highway System (e.g., interstate or federal-aid primary highway). Pre-existing signage may remain, however. [This provision is not applicable to the proposed new scenic byway.] A proposed resolution of County support for the application is attached for the Board’s consideration. The elected boards from Chatham County and the Town of Chapel Hill are expected to consider their support of the application in May. Staff has also requested a letter of support from the University of North Carolina. The final application is due for submittal to NCDOT by August 31. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. There is no cost associated with the application other than the staff time involved in preparing the application and support materials. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the resolution of support and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of Orange County. 77 ReturntoAgenda