HomeMy WebLinkAboutOTHER-2024-029-Memorandum of Agreement for Co-Gen Rail Transformation Project Attachment 1
X Memorandum of Agreement for
the Co - Gen Rail Transformation Project
Purpose
The purpose of this Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA) is to formalize an agreement between
the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Orange County, the University of North Carolina - Chapel
Hill, and the Southern Environmental Law Center ("the Parties"), and to collaboratively envision,
plan, and jointly seek grant funding opportunities for the Co � Gen Rail Transformation Project,
Background
In late 2023) the Southern Environmental Law Center and UNGChapel Hill entered into
contracts with Central Pines Regional Council to jointly cover the cost to facilitate the
development of strong grant applications for long-term economic and transportation planning
activities along the Co - Gen Rail Line. As entities with primary control of land use decisions, as
well as ownership of numerous properties along the rail line, and/or organizations with an interest
in the Project, it is essential that " the Parties" are foundationally involved in the process .
Mutual Interest of the Parties
The longterm transformation of the Co - Gen ( UNC) rail line into a multi - modal greenway (a " rails
to trails" project) can bring extensive opportunity and allow the Parties to advance collective
goals to promote housing„ economic development, and connectivity across each jurisdiction and
between residential, institutional, commercial , and rural areas of the county. By identifying the
potential benefits of the project today, the Parties can support a robust and timely transition
away from coal at the Co , Gen plant and ensure alignment between local and countywide plans
for development and connectivity and to achieve environmental goals that accompany the
expansion of the county 's network of greenways.
Responsibilities of the Parties
Appoint one representative of the Party to serve on the Co - Gen Rail Transformation
Project' s Policy Steering Committee, comprised of local and state elected officials,
community groups, institutional partners, and others impacted by the project.
Provide guidance and direction to the steering group and Central Pines Regional Council,
as the grant writer, on submission of grant applications, grant cost- share allocations, and
alignment or coordination with local priorities and funding applications ,
Designate local staff members to provide information or data related to project outcomes
and assist with grant applications .
As appropriate and/or when most competitive, serve as the lead applicant on grant
applications for the project . Central Pines Regional Council can administer any grant
where capacity is a concern .
- Work collaboratively with the Co - Gen Rail Transformation Project's Policy Steering
Committee to design and implement communications and messaging on the project, its
purpose, and its progress .
Appoint relevant staff to serve on a Technical Working Group to provide technical
guidance on implementation of an awarded grant application (s) .
This MOA does not anticipate any present exchange of monies between the Parties or guarantee
specific funding. Rather, it documents this understanding for mutual records.
Town of Chapel Hill
Acknowledgement and Acceptance :
Date : o . a gVgq
Town of Carrboro
Acknowledgement and Acceptance ;
Date .
Orange County
Acknowledgement and Acceptance :
Date :
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Acknowledgement and Acceptance :
Date : 1 LOY
Southern Environmental Law Center
Acknowledgement and Acceptance ;
8 2 2024
Date :
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