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34 <br /> 22 <br /> Regional Legislative Agenda <br /> Page 2 <br /> HIGH PRIORITIES <br /> Growth Management and Smart Growth Strateev : Growth management and " Smart hGrowth"mendag es remain <br /> of the <br /> paramount among important issues facing Region J' s local governments . In view of t <br /> state's Legislative Study Commission on Smart Growth, Triangle J advocates an incentive based planning <br /> partnership that calls upon the state to establish a clear and concise growth management policy based on the <br /> regnsfer of <br /> ional principles set forth in the commission' s report . Inducements such as allowance <br /> e sources for oammunity <br /> development rights , " inclusionary zoning and housing programs , expanded local revenue <br /> and regional infrastructure, along with state funding for planning, infrastructure financing, affordable housing, <br /> environmental programs, open space/farm land, rural economic development, downtown/main street development, <br /> and other economic development incentives are recommended. Triangle J seeks approval of the foregoing, along <br /> with adequate authority and financial support to provide public facilities necessary to any " Smart Growth" strategy <br /> and state policy . <br /> Transportation Planning and Fundinge: Multi -modal planning for the myriad transportation needs of Region J is a <br /> substantive issue for the future of our local governments and the region . Funding of the Transportation <br /> Improvements Plan (TIP) , Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's) , Rural Planning Organizations (RPO' s) , <br /> Powell Bill Funds , local transit authorities , and the Triangle Transit Authority are very important. Moreover, <br /> Triangle J advocates and seeks a fundamental change in the state ' s planning/organizational structure currently in use <br /> to allow for more formal input by local government and a funding formula that provides adequate financial <br /> resources to address the ever-growing transportation needs of our region . Clearly the challenge for North Carolina <br /> is that adequate funding must be provided by the legislature to assure that our state can meet its many transportation <br /> needs . Road and bridge maintenance is sought to adequately maintain existing infrastructure . Additionally, the <br /> General Assembly is urged to make local enabling authority uniformly available to local governments throughout <br /> the state regarding use of video cameras for red light violation apprehension and enforcement. Finally, it is <br /> requested that the General Statutes be amended to require that the N. C . Department of Transportation pay for the <br /> non-betterment cost for relocation of city/county utilities that are relocated for a state highway improvement project <br /> — inclusive of regional public utilities . <br /> Water Quality/Supply and Infrastructure : Long-term water quality/supply planning and wastewater treatment <br /> needs continue to be important topics for the region . Hydrological modeling in Jordan Lake and protection <br /> measures for the Upper Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers are extremely important and will require support from state <br /> government . Triangle J seeks legislation to effect financial resources and regulatory control to satisfy regional <br /> water quality/supply planning needs , along with the resources necessary to meet environmentally sound water and <br /> sewer infrastructure resources for the region. Additional funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund is <br /> also sought. <br /> OTHER PRIORITIES <br /> Environmental Issues : Air quality tops the environmental issues important to Region J. Support is sought for <br /> financial and tax incentives following up on the Ambient Air Quality Act (SB 953 ) enacted in 1999 to encourage <br /> the use of alternative fuels . Triangle J seeks legislation that promotes clean air and allows state and local <br /> government to meet "attainment" of EPA standards . Linkage of air quality to the " Smart Growth, " growth <br /> management, and transportation strategies is important . Solid waste management legislation is sought to strengthen <br /> local governments' role in recycling and authority to charge reasonable fees for recycling activities . Additionally, <br /> Triangle J seeks funding of the state' s One North Carolina Naturally Initiative , along with other open space and <br /> green space concerns , inclusive of increased funding for farm land preservation and other similar economic <br /> development activities . <br />