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13 <br />Workgroup on Infrastructure <br />Overall Strategy: By June 2009, infrastructure will be in place to support the county's <br />economic development goals of increasing the commercial tax base and retaining and <br />attracting targeted businesses. <br />Why the strategy is critical: Infrastructure helps support desired growth patterns and economic <br />goals, Orange County and its municipalities have led the state in establishing an urban growth <br />boundary that limits expansion of utilities to prevent low-density sprawl throughout rural areas. <br />Area governments now need to encourage and accmnmodate higher density in appropriate areas, <br />including the county's three Economic Development Districts. <br />Key Sub-Elements and Action Steps: <br />A. Extend water and sewer into all three Economic Development Districts <br />1) Continue to facilitate expansion of water, sewer, and other utilities to Buckhorn <br />Economic Development District <br />2) Continue to facilitate expansion of water, sewer, and other utilities to the <br />Hillsborough Economic Development District <br />3) Continue to work with the City of Durham to establish a water and sewer <br />extension agreement for the Durham/Eno Economic Development District while <br />maintaining high standards for development in the EDD and remaining sensitive <br />to the nearby Eno River State Park <br />4) Meet with properly owners <br />5) Revisit permitted uses (primary and secondary, other standards) <br />6) Revisit developable square footage in each EDD <br />B. Establish adequate information networks (e.g., high-speed Internet, cellular towers) <br />throughout the towns and the county <br />1) Encourage the expansion of affordable high-speed Internet access, fiber-optic <br />lines, and other high-speed communication networks to rural and un- <br />served/underserved areas <br />• Endorse/support Master Telecommunications Plan (MTP) <br />• Support extension of'cable Internet access to rural areas/subdivisions <br />• Support wireless areas (ex. Carrboro, UNC, etc.) <br />C. Encourage participation and input as appropriate in area plans and projects (i.e. <br />storm water plans, plans for the physical infrastructure of Carolina No rth, <br />including transportation elements for Phase I) <br />1) Stay abreast of current planning issues and provide input as required <br />2) Promote maintenance and development of adequate storm water and solid waste <br />reclamation and environmental practices <br />3) As appropriate, provide input into Carolina North infrastructure, such as <br />transportation (including rail and parking) and synergy with surrounding areas <br />10 <br />