Agenda - 06-02-20; 8-e - Resolution of Support – Triangle Trails Initiative

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RES-2020-034 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE FORMATION OF THE TRIANGLE TRAILS INITIATIVE WHEREAS, Orange County, North Carolina is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the region and recognizes that the "Triangle Trails Initiative" will contribute to quality of life by weaving together community and regional assets via a network of trails and greenways; and WHEREAS, the "Triangle Trails Initiative" recommends linking trails and greenways together, across a multi-county regional landscape, gaining cooperation of public and private sector interests that encourage collaboration; and to create a network that will, in the long term, provide transportation, exercise, leisure, safety, accessibility, recreation, community and economic benefits aimed at enhancing the quality of life; and WHEREAS, many communities, agencies, and trail advocates in the region have taken a lead in planning and building local trails and greenways, and those efforts can be greatly enhanced by being connected to a larger regional network of trails; and WHEREAS, trails and their green landscape areas help improve the quality of the air we breathe by preserving trees and vegetation, by promoting reduce congestion through non-motorized transportation, and enhance the quality of our water through natural buffers mitigating the impacts of storm water run-off, and WHEREAS, trails and greenways are freely accessible community assets offering opportunities for transportation, recreation and exercise to everyone, including children and families, providing safe places for county residents to experience a sense of community, celebrate our history and culture, and create stronger social ties; and WHEREAS, trails have significant impact on the health and economic viability of the region encouraging active lifestyles, increased levels of tourism, enhanced property values, added jobs, as well as enhanced ability to attract and retain businesses to the region due to improved quality of life; and WHEREAS,the "Triangle Trails Initiative"provides the foundation for a long term strategy that will continue to grow and to provide an invaluable resources for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby resolve to support the concept of working within a regional framework to plan, design, develop and link protected undeveloped landscapes and natural resources by endorsing the "Triangle Trails Initiative." This, the 2nd day of June, 2020. Penny Rich, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board