HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2008-024 Turkey Farm Road Bridge Resolution~~ 5 - x.068_0 ~, ~
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMIVIISSIONERS
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the natural corridor of New Hope Creek preserves invaluable recreational
and educational opportunities, open space, wildlife habitat, and other historic and natural
resources; and
WHEREAS, the preservation of the New Hope Creek Corridor is essential for
maintaining the health of Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River Basin; and
WHEREAS, the section of New Hope Creek at Turkey Farm Road supports a unique
community of freshwater mussels akeady imperiled by drought and the impacts of urban
development, including two State Endangered Species and Federal Species of Concern
(Carolina Creekshell, Atlantic Pigtoe), one State Endangered Species (Brook Floater),
one State Threatened Species (Creeper), one State Special Concern Species (Notched
Rainbow), one State Significantly Rare Species (Eastern Creekshell), and additional rare
species that may include a previously undiscovered species of Lampsilis mussel; and
WHEREAS, Orange County, Durham County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the City of
Durham have continuously reaffirmed our commitment to the preservation of the New
Hope Creek corridor and its natural resources since our joint funding of the New Hope
Open Space Master Plan in 1989, adoption of the Master Plan in 1991; appointment of
the New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee to advise us on its implementation;
and the subsequent expenditure of five million dollars of local, state and private funds for
land protection pursuant to the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has in the past
acknowledged the uniqueness of the New Hope Corridor and the value of the corridor to
the community by responding to concerns of the local jurisdictions and the public with an
expanded design for the bridge on US 15-501 over New Hope Creek to 300 feet with a
10-foot vertical clearance to enable safe wildlife passage and future greenway trails;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners respectfully requests that the North Carolina Department of
Transportation, North Carolina Division of Water Quality, and other involved state
agencies ensure the maintenance of high water quality, pristine habitat for aquatic
species, passage for terrestrial wildlife, and adequate recreational access in the design and
construction of the Turkey Farm Road Bridge at New Hope Creek.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
respectfully requests that the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other
involved state agencies consult with the Advisory Committee in any decisions that may
impact the New Hope Creek natural corridor and its planned preservation as laid out in
the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
respectfully requests that the North Carolina Department of Transportation conduct an
environmental assessment pursuant to the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act and
afield meeting with qualified ecologists to ensure that proposed demolition, construction,
and final design of the Turkey Farm Road Bridge will have no negative impacts on the
high level of aquatic species habitat, water quality, and other natural heritage features of
the New Hope Creek area.
U n motion of Commissioner , seconded by Commissioner
the foregoing resolution was adopted this the 1St day of April 2008.
I, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange, North
Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the
proceedings of said Board at a meeting held on April 1, 2008, as relates in any way to the
adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings are recorded in the minutes of said
Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this ~ day of{~~2008
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Clerk to the Board of Commissioners