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e1TY L) they serve on the APB), to help them do something they want to do when the county implies too many restrictions. Members agreed to have comments prepared and send to Tina for a second draft of the matrix for the meeting in August. Next potential check in point with BOCC is the public hearing in November. b. Federal Farm Bill — Farmland Protection Program In May of this year, Congress adopted and the President signed the new Farm Bill. Part of the Farm Bill provided for appropriations to the Farmland Protection Program, which channels funds to the states for assistance in the acquisition of conservation easements. The Farmland Protection Program provides a 50% match for the acquisition of farmland conservation easements, based on appraised value of the easement. The federal government timetable requires obligation of funds by the end of the Federal fiscal year on September 30th; so a short window of opportunity exists — with applications due July 15. The County has been working with several farmers on potential easement acquisitions over the past several months, and may wish to apply for FPP funding to augment and leverage County funds for easement purchases. Applications to the Farmland Protection Program require a 50% match toward the easement purchase over the next three County fiscal years. Proposed grant applications totaling $1 million would require a like amount of County funds over three years (between FY 2002 -03 and FY 2004 -05). County matching funds would come from the existing and future appropriations to the Lands Legacy Fund and future appropriations for conservation easements from alternative financing, as proposed in the Manager's Recommended CIP. C. VFPP Ordinance Revisions Stancil noted that work is ongoing on the revisions (this was on a previous agenda where there was not a quorum) and pointed out the inclusion of information about other NC County Ordinances and programs in a summary chart. This item was deferred until August due to the time of the evening. d. "Orange County 250" Stancil reported that on September 9th, 1752 the county held it's first colonial court session at Grayfields along the Eno River. The committee working on this project seeks advisory board assistance in celebrating. Stancil outlined some of the 250th committee's proposals for events and referenced the recent budgetary constraints. APB members suggested the possibility of a harvest meal in the fall to get people together, the possibility of a driving tour of local agricultural activities, the use of local produce for the community dinner (already in the works), and a blue grass festival contest. APB to continue discussion of these potential activities at the next meeting. DRAFT 4