Orange County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues

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9 • Advocate for continued Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funds. These are federal funds that pass through the state. Annually, Orange County receives approximately $55,000 to build and sustain local capabilities, emergency planning and training and equipment. Due to a lack of funding for NCEM, the state will likely have to use more of these funds and reduce the local contribution. • There are more than 300 (or 1% of the total) residential properties in Orange County located in a special flood hazard area (high risk). Census numbers indicate that more than 1,249 adults, 154 seniors, and 49 children are at risk. In addition, FEMA flood maps underrepresent the risk as approximately 22% of the properties that flooded during Chantal were in a low-risk area. • GOAL — Seek funding to expand access to water and sewer infrastructure in underserved and rural areas. TALKING POINTS/LOCAL IMPACT • Lack of water/sewer access is a documented barrier to small business development, a key Strategic Plan objective. • Infrastructure investments improve environmental protection, public health, and rural economic stability. • Economic Development potential is currently constrained in Orange County; that can adjust over time. • 84% of the land area of the county is currently under land use restrictions that limit water and sewer access. • Currently municipalities (13% of county land area) and Economic Development Zones (3%), including Buckhorn/Mebane are available for consideration. • Some of those restrictions can be negotiated in a strategic, targeted way across the joint planning jurisdictions as part of WASMPBA and the Land Use 2050 initiative. C As examples: o Morinaga America Foods' recent factory expansion will provide 204 additional new full-time jobs, and approximately $4,506,628 in property tax revenue during the first 10 years of operation. In year #11 and thereafter, that factory expansion will continue to generate approximately $600,000 annually in property tax revenue. This is in addition to the company currently generating $171,742 in annual property tax revenue on the first factory operation. o CITEL will provide 79 new full-time jobs, and approximately $162,880 in property tax revenue during the first 10 years of operation. In year #11 and thereafter, the company will generate approximately $80,000 annually in property tax revenue. • GOAL — Support legislation to maintain local or regional authority over water transfer agreements and interbasin transfers. TALKING POINTS/LOCAL IMPACT • Local input ensures water resource decisions align with land use plans, economic development and Climate Action Plan priorities. • Orange County has numerous water transfer agreements with neighboring counties, and local / regional engagement is crucial for these to be effective.