HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-02-2010 - 4nORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 2, 2010
Action Agenda
Item No. ~{' - n
SUBJECT: Letter Supporting North Carolina Department Of Transportation's Application
for Southeast Hi h Speed Rail Fundin
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Draft Letter of Support Karen Lincoln, 245-2594
2. List of Federal and State Officials Craig Benedict, 245-2592
PURPOSE: To authorize the Chair to sign a letter supporting the North Carolina Department
of Transportation's application for funding from both the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act as well as from annual federal budgetary appropriations to accelerate the Southeast High
Speed Rail corridor south of Washington, DC.
BACKGROUND: The Board of Commissioners, on September 15, 2009, approved a resolution
supporting the North Carolina Department of Transportation's application for funding from both
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as from annual federal budgetary
appropriations in order to accelerate the planning, land acquisition and construction investments
needed to help realize the full implementation of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor. The
Board directed the Clerk to forward the resolution to:
North Carolina's United States Senators;
• United States' Congress members representing the Triangle region; and
• North Carolina Congressmen serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee.
The Board prefaced the resolution with a stipulation that Orange County's previously identified
concerns about the route of the amended corridor be discussed.
Regional Transportation Alliance staff has provided a draft letter of support and an expanded
list of addressees. The attached letter includes modifications of the draft letter as appropriate
for Orange County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to the County for this action item.
RECOMMENDATION (S): The Manager recommends the Board authorize the Chair to sign the
letter supporting North Carolina Department of Transportation's application for funding to
accelerate the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor south of Washington, DC.
Attachment 1 2
February 2, 2010
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20050
Dear President Obama
Thank you for your commitment to developing a high speed rail vision for America. The high
speed rail corridor from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC will be a catalyst for development of
commuter rail service for the Triangle and Triad regions of North Carolina. Orange County
strongly supports North Carolina's application for high speed rail funding from the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as from annual budgetary appropriations in order to
accelerate the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor south of Washington, DC and help bring your
vision of a high speed rail future for America to reality.
North Carolina's sustained focus on high speed rail in cooperation with Virginia is demonstrated
by a completed Tier I environmental record of decision for the entire 450 mile corridor from
Charlotte to Washington, DC and the recent submittal of a preliminary Tier II application for the
section from Raleigh to Richmond. In addition, our state has developed solid partnerships with
two Class I railroads and has invested more than $300 million in stations, equipment, and
passenger operations in the past decade alone.
Our state's efforts in preparing for high speed rail have resulted in unanimous, bipartisan support
from our congressional delegation for our state's application for ARRA funding. Leaders from
across the state recognize that the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor will provide travelers with
a competitive alternative to air and automobile trips between Washington and the southeastern
United States, ease the rate of congestion growth along the I-95/I-85 corridor, improve safety and
energy effectiveness, and enhance air quality.
North Carolina is committed, focused, and ready for high speed rail, and has a proven track
record of performance. We applaud your efforts at creating a sustainable transportation future for
our nation, and we encourage your support of NCDOT's application for funding for high speed
rail.
Sincerely,
<signature>
Valerie Foushee, Chair
Orange County Board of County Commissioners
cc: Ray LaHood, Secretary, USDOT
Eugene Conti, Jr., Secretary, NCDOT
Charlie Grady, Office of the Secretary, NCDOT
Pat Simmons, Director, Rail Division, NCDOT
Joe Milazzo II, PE, Regional Transportation Alliance
Attachment 2 3
List of Addressees
TO:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20050
CC:
Secretary Ray LaHood
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
North Carolina Department of Transportation Officials
Secretary Gene Conti, Jr.
NC Department of Transportation
1501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1501
Charlie Grady
Special Assistant to the Secretary
NC Department of Transportation
1501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1501
Pat Simmons
Director, Rail Division
NC Department of Transportation
1553 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1553
Senators representing North Carolina
Senator Richard Burr
217 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Fax: (202) 228-2981
Senator Kay Hagan
521 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20510
Fax: (202) 228-2563
Attachment 2 4
List of Addressees
Congressmen representing the Triangle region of North Carolina
Representative David Price
2162 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 225-2014
Representative Bob Etheridge
1533 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 225-5662
Representative Brad Miller
1127 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 225-0181
Congressmen from North Carolina
serving on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Representative Howard Coble
2468 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 225-8611
Representative Heath Shuler
422 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 226-6422