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7 <br />current MAB boundaries is rural and it is questionable how much <br />degradation of air quality is attributable to activities in these areas. With <br />the exception of the EflandlCheeks area along US 70, expanding the <br />boundary will take in areas even more rural and less of a contributor to <br />poor air quality. <br />5. The non-attainment designation areas outside the MPO boundary creates a new <br />level of complexity for transportation and air quality planning. <br />Response: It is our understanding that the non-attainment designation is <br />applied to these areas because the entire county is being classified as <br />such, and not because there are air quality problems emanating from them. <br />This is an area the County needs additional documentation on to better <br />understand the whole issue of non-attainment. We don't feel that current <br />rural development patterns (and the traffic generated by them) are <br />significant contributors to air quality degradation. Likewise, if proposed <br />plan, policy, and ordinance proposals recommended for the rural areas are <br />ultimately adopted, air quality degradation from future rural development <br />will be even less of an issue. <br />6. The current 2025 LRTP included transportation investments and decisions <br />affecting Orange County area mainly because the MPO has operated under the <br />assumption that all of Orange County would be included in the planning <br />boundaries of the MPO. Therefore, the TAC has previously reviewed and <br />approved socia-economic data and forecasts for the entire county. Also, revenue <br />forecasts for the 2025 LRTP included sources throughout the entire county. <br />Response: Where did the assumption originate that all of Orange County <br />would be included in the MPO? There is no record of the County indicating <br />a desire to see its total area included within MPO boundaries and there is <br />no justification based on current or future population densities. The <br />County recognizes that certain portions of its jurisdiction are urbanizing <br />and are affected by the existing urban centers. This has been the basis of <br />our participation in the MPO process. The County has always been <br />straightforward in maintaining the integrity of its rural areas and data <br />supplied for the regional model has reflected what is envisioned for these <br />areas in the future. As noted in the first question, we support inclusion of <br />the rural areas in the model, but don't view this as a basis for inclusion of <br />the entire County within the MAB. <br />7. If the entire county is not included, the TAC could not make decisions on projects <br />or other issues which would affect areas outside the MAB. <br />Response: There is not convincing evidence that the TAC needs to be <br />involved in decisions on County projects outside the MAB. Orange County <br />is unique among Triangle counties in that it still has large expanses of <br />