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2 <br />tax and an extra $10 vehicle registration fee, based on comments submitted on the Alternatives <br />Analysis. The full report, which was previously provided under separate cover, can be <br />downloaded under 2035 LRTP Options at www.dchcmpo.org. <br />Orange Unified Transportation Board Recommended Comments <br />The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard), at its meeting on November 19, 2008, <br />received a presentation on the options being considered for the Draft 2035 LRTP and <br />recommended the following transportation approaches: <br />• Support rail transportation including commuter rail service between Burlington and Raleigh <br />that would serve Orange County, as well as light rail to serve the triangle area; <br />• Consider extending light rail from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to connect to <br />potential commuter rail (University Station) ending in Carrboro; <br />• Consider using existing power grids (utility easements) for light rail lines; <br />• Support enhanced local bus and express bus service with shorter delays; <br />• Ensure good connectivity of services that feed larger transit systems; <br />• Include private transportation providers in the process, especially with respect to provision of <br />services to transportation terminals and areas on fringe of service routes; <br />• Concentrate limited resources on transit and not on expanding highway capacity; and <br />• Invest in roadway "hotspots" /intersection improvements instead of overall roadway widening. <br />Next Steps <br />The MPO Transportation Advisory Committee and technical staff will evaluate the four (4) <br />transportation options and consider public input to develop the Preferred Option, which the TAC <br />will adopt as the Draft 2035 LRTP. The TAC expects to approve the Draft 2035 LRTP in early <br />December and the Draft 2035 LRTP will then go through an evaluation and public input process <br />to ensure that the plan meets air quality conformity regulations. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact associated with this item, although <br />implementation of many of the alternatives will require new local and state funding. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board: <br />1. Receive the information and OUTBoard comments; and <br />2. Endorse the resolution submitting those comments to the DCHC MPO TAC. <br />