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ORANGE ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT <br /> COUNTY <br /> TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT <br /> i4[Jk`f Fi C:AkCrL1NA - -. ..... <br /> Item 3.a. <br /> Subject: Implement Complete Street and Vision Zero Policy <br /> Attachment: 1. Vision Zero Policy and Complete Street Policy <br /> 2. Example Best Practices <br /> PURPOSE: Review Orange County Transportation Priorities for North Carolina Department of <br /> Transportation (NCDOT) Strategic Prioritization of Transportation (SPOT) process. <br /> BACKGROUND: In 2019, NCDOT adopted a new Complete Street Policy and Implementation <br /> guide (link). August 2022, Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning Organization (BG MPO) also <br /> adopted a Complete Street and Vision Zero Policy, followed by Orange County Board of County <br /> Commissioners (BOCC) in 2022 (Attachment 1). Orange County now seeks to join the practice of <br /> rural counties getting sidewalks and other non-highway accommodations (e.g. side paths, shared <br /> lanes, bike lanes, etc.), especially in meeting its Transportation Goals and Objectives as stated in <br /> the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Many Counties in North Carolina have sidewalks and other bike/ped accommodations in their <br /> unincorporated areas, coordinated with member jurisdictions. Places like Durham County <br /> worked with City of Durham to motivate North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) <br /> build a 170 foot sidewalk with crosswalk in the County, close to Forest View Elementary School. <br /> Jackson County and Pender County also received state built sidewalks in their rural areas, simply <br /> by taking over maintenance of it via a signed agreement with NCDOT. Attachment 2 are the <br /> standard maintenance agreements for state constructed bike/ped facilities. <br /> Staff presents various options to achieve the same successes as other rural counties who worked <br /> with NCDOT in getting the necessary non-vehicular improvements they sought, options includes: <br /> 1. FTA grants—80/20 reimbursement for sidewalks % mile around bus stops <br /> 2. Transit funds— 100% reimbursed to County in accordance with Transit Plan <br /> 3. County CIP/Special Fund—similar to Hillsborough's Connectivity/Sustainability fund <br /> Other options are also open to discussion. Staff seeks Option 2 or 3. Option 1 requires National <br /> Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for any <br /> construction project involving federal funds. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: Grants are federal funds, requiring local match and local administration, <br /> 20% of total project cost must be paid by local government. Transit funds are limited to projects <br /> as identified in the Orange County Transit Plan as and as approved in the Annual Work Program. <br /> County's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is part of the annual budget process. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this <br /> item: <br /> 600 Hwy 86 N - Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 <br /> Phone (919)245-2008 - Fax (919) 732-2137 <br /> orangecountync.gov/transportation <br />