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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2013-015 Resolution to Support the 2013-2015 Funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund RES-2013-015 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS o2 1 9 Resolution to Support 2013-2015 Funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund Whereas, the 1996 North Carolina General Assembly established the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to provide an innovative and non-regulatory approach to the protection and restoration of the surface waters all across the state; and Whereas,the Clean Water Management Trust Fund is a non-regulatory program established to help meet infrastructure needs of municipalities and counties, restore degraded surface water, protect watersheds, increase recreational opportunities, and enhance quality of life in this state, all critical components for communities to obtain a competitive edge in their economic development; and Whereas,the Clean Water Management Trust Fund has funded 452 infrastructure projects to assist North Carolina communities balance infrastructure needs with environmental protection and to help struggling communities become self-reliant with future infrastructure needs; and Whereas, infrastructure needs across the state addressing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater are estimated at$16.6 billion between 2005 and 2030; and Whereas, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund has leveraged more than $1 billion of private, local and federal funds to support projects, and Orange County has, either directly or in partnership efforts with other entities, benefited from approximately $2.6 million in grants and approximately $2.3 million in loans from the Fund; and Whereas,the General Assembly has reduced funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund by 78%since 2010; and Whereas, limited funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund left 88% of 2012 critical local needs unmet; and Whereas our economic vitality, health and ability to sustain ourselves and the natural environment all rely on clean water; and Whereas, surface water must be protected to ensure sufficient drinking water supply for the state's growing industrial base and population; and Whereas, Clean Water Management Trust Fund has provided grant(s) to Orange County to do one or more of the following: to protect, restore or enhance surface water quality for the benefit of the state's agriculture, military, recreation and tourism economies and to protect our natural heritage for the benefit of all North Carolinians; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners at its meeting on February 19, 2013 that Orange County supports the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and requests that the Fund receive an increase in recurring funding from the Governor and the North Carolina General Assembly for the 2013-2015 biennial budget. This the 19th day of February 2013. B(K Jacobs,'hai J�U of C Orange County of mmissioners