FY 2010 Appropriations Requests

 

Many constituents are interested in federal appropriations and how they work. The responsible application of appropiated funds, federal resources designated for local projects of high public purpose, can have widespread benefits for our state, our communities, and our nation.

The federal appropriations process is lengthy and complicated, involving 12 separate bills. Once approriation requests are reviewed and funded in the legislative process, they are posted on this website and announced by my office to the news media.

For your information, below is a categorized list of the Eighth District appropriations requested by my office and included in the FY 2010 House appropriations legislation.

Agriculture

$6 million

Through the Agriculture- Rural Development Account, which will go to the Rural Development Leadership Network. This project will provide 100 fellowships for emerging leaders in rural community development. The fellowships will include tuition, stipends, travel, educational materials, capacity building, and seed money for community-based field projects and funds for resource people and the development of educational materials. The project will also will strengthen local leadership, create capacity, attract funding, and support constructive development activities. A national network will support local leaders with capacity building activities and resources. Funding for this project will strengthen human infrastructure in rural areas and also stimulate local and state economies, and will go to the Community Outreach Advocate located in Raeford, North Carolina.

$300,000

Through the USDA Animal/Plant Account, which will go to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Emergency Programs. The Multi-Hazard Threat Database (MHTD) is a decision support tool for the food protection and emergency response community in North Carolina. It is a secure, web based system that consists of four unique components. The first component of the MHTD is a comprehensive collection of Geographic Information System (GIS) data from all levels of government and the private sector. The second component is the Animal Health Programs (AHP) database which tracks livestock farm locations and animal movements in the state. The third component is a collection of web forms (applications) that allows for remote data collection in a wide range of emergency response areas. The fourth component of the MHTD is an in-house Google Earth viewer for rapid dissemination of spatial awareness. This project can assist local, state, and federal governments to track down harmful agriculture products in the event there is a harmful outbreak.

$2 million

Through the Agriculture Research Service ARS Account. The recipient of this request, the North Carolina Research Campus, will work with the UNC-Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute and the North Carolina State University Institute for Fruit and Vegetable Science to propose the creation of a new United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Center. This new Center will focus on using cutting edge genomic, proteomic and metabolomic biotechnology to develop innovative approaches to designing healthier agricultural products and to understanding the role of diet and activity in normal brain development, preventing cancer and preventing obesity. Furthermore, the Center will evaluate how nutrition enhances human health -- using individual variations in metabolism to develop custom solutions that target individual susceptibilities and differences. The ARS Human Nutrition Center will benefit taxpayers by allowing researchers to better understand the impact that diet and exercise have on preventing cancer, type II diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, the Center will evaluate how nutrition affects human health on an individual basis and will develop custom solutions that target individual responses to diet and nutrition. The ARS Human Nutrition Center will also generate job growth in the Kannapolis, North Carolina region.

Commerce Justice and Science

$300,000

Through the Department of Justice OJP Juvenile Justice Account. The Methodist University Youth Leadership Training Program targets at-risk and gifted low- to moderate-income youth in grades six through eight to participate in a four-week residential summer program that includes exploration of leadership themes, concepts, techniques, and practices as well as interacting one-on-one with effective leadership experts in government, business, education, sports, religious groups, and not-for-profit organizations. The program will focus on specific topics such as academics, life skills, decision making skills, coping strategies, leadership, and community stewardship. The students will also participate in a civic project on campus or in the community. Methodist University students will serve as role models and provide the opportunity for accountability, support, and leadership development. Nationally, research indicates that many middle and high school-age youth are growing up in at-risk environments (prevalence of gangs, drug use, lack of family and/or community support) which can lead to poor performance in school and participation in activities which result in incarceration.

$94,242.20

Through the OJP Byrne Discretionary Grants Account. The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office is requesting these funds to acquire two new law enforcement officer positions to provide security in the form of a school resource officer (SRO) and educators to seven elementary schools in the Cabarrus County School System (Beverly Hills, Coltrane Webb, Carl Furr, R. Brown McAlister, Pitts School Road, W.M. Irvin, and Wolf Meadow). The SRO provides three primary functions in a school which are law enforcement officer, counselor, and teacher. These funds are needed as the Concord Police have officially ended participation within the elementary schools due to lack of personnel and the sheriff’s office has made an agreement with the Cabarrus County School System to provide these needed services if money can be obtained. Money provided for this initiative will help to ensure that our schools are a safe learning environment.

$3.5 million

Through the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Account. Textile Clothing Technology Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation engaged in research and development to enhance competitive advantage of the sewn product, and hosiery industry sector, with support from more than two hundred companies, and affiliations with similar organizations. More than one million jobs in textile and apparel manufacturing have been lost to foreign competitors over the past fifteen years. The surviving companies who serve the soft goods supply chain must employ methods and processes that enhance competitiveness and provide value to the consumer. It is unlikely that a reversal of the outflow of jobs will occur in the near-term, but the manufacturing and distribution jobs remaining in the United States provide income and security for members of the lower economic strata, many of whom are single parents and minorities. Through the existence of such enterprises and employed work force, a warm base of manufacturing capability will be maintained for use in times of military call-up and for products necessary to the national defense. Financial support from the industry sector served, expected to be in excess of the amount of requested federal grant, will be utilized in tandem with grant funds to increase competitiveness for this industry sector.

$2 million

Through the Department of Justice COPS Law Enforcement Technology Account. Since 1996, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and Fayetteville Police Department have utilized the City of Fayetteville's 800MHz Radio System. In 2005, the city and county shared in an upgrade of the system at a cost of $4.7 million, splitting the cost based on the number of radios each entity used. This system is valid only until late 2009. After 2009 the system cannot be expanded without converting to a P-25 compliant system. The Fayetteville Police Department and Cumberland County Sheriff's Office have identified areas in the unincorporated areas of Cumberland County and in the newly annexed areas of the City of Fayetteville with less than adequate radio coverage. In order to provide all current users with at least the standard 95% coverage in all areas of Cumberland County, utilizing a three watt, hand-held radio in the street, the current radio system will need to have a major upgrade. The system will also need to be converted to a strictly digital system by year 2014 if it continues to be utilized for emergency responders. These funds are a worthwhile use of taxpayer's money as the project will provide first responders with a new radio system which will enable them to respond better to emergency situations.

$35,000

From the Department of Justice OJP Byrne Discretionary Grants Account. Project Fresh Start will use these funds to provide help to individuals who have been incarcerated, convicted of felonies, and family members of those who are incarcerated to live a productive life.

$514,415

From the Department of Justice COPS Law Enforcement Technology Grant Account or OJP Byrne Discretionary Grants Account. Funding for this project is for the purchase and installation of state-of-the art communications console at the Troop H regional communications Head Quarters in Union County. The console being replaced is a 1980's vintage technology and parts are no longer available. New consoles are imperative as the states moves into the digital age and interoperable communications. Federal funding for NCSHP Communications Console modernization and enhancement is justified as numerous federal public service/safety agencies (Marshall Service, Forest Service, FEMA) depend on NCSHP communications capability. Federal funding is also justified because the state’s digital and interoperable communication systems continue to be among the nation's leaders---a model of full 800 MHz/700 MHz compliance, which are Congressional statutory and DOJ policy goals. Since the late 1990's US DOJ has frequently sent or brought officials from other states and nations to NC to observe/learn from the operation of the Criminal Justice Information System, NC's criminal justice data system. Recently, the state's work has become an example for the building of fully federally compliant 800 MHz/700 MHz interoperable voice communications systems.

$800,000

Through the NOAA Operations, Research, and Facilities Account. The North Carolina Geodetic Survey was one of two agencies selected by NOAA in 1999 to test/pioneer Height Modernization. Currently, the North Carolina Geodetic Survey proposes to execute pilot projects as a partner in NOAA’s overall National Height Modernization Program. Elements include climate monitoring, disaster preparedness, infrastructure mapping, remote monitoring and vertical datum redefinition.

$600,000

Through the Department of Justice COPS Law Enforcement Technology Account. Federal funds are needed to purchase 100 mobile and 100 handheld 800 MHz radios. The State of North Carolina has developed a VIPER (voice interoperability) system that connects law enforcement agencies statewide using 800 MHz towers and radios. The radio towers have been installed in every county in the state. Union County will be operating on the 800 MHz frequency by early 2010. The Monroe Police Department needs federal assistance to purchase interoperable radios to communicate with other county, state, and federal first responders. It is imperative to have interoperable radios to communicate with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and other first responders. Without this interoperability, it is impossible to communicate with these agencies when a multijurisdictional event occurs.

$750,000

Through the Department of Justice COPS Meth Account. The Methodist University Methamphetamine Education Training Program will train students; future forensic scientists; law enforcement, emergency medicine, fire/rescue, HAZMAT; and other professionals in the safe and proper identification, collection, and preservation of evidence from methamphetamine laboratories of all types, sizes, and complexities. The program will educate personnel in the holistic understanding of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, including the chemical production, the adverse physiological and psychological effects on humans, the deterioration and contamination of the environment, and other adverse short- and long-term effects of methamphetamine laboratories. The goal of this program is to provide a new capability to meet a current and ongoing national need in the identification, control, crime scene management, and remediation of clandestine labs and all of the associated socioeconomic issues.

$1.1 million

Through the Department of Justice Law Enforcement Technology Account. Specifically, the Anson County Sheriff Department is requesting these funds to administer a law enforcement visual intelligence technology project which will monitor nine counties which are in my district (Anson, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Hoke, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, and Union). For the first time, all federal, state, and local agencies operating within all the aforementioned counties will have a common visual imagery tool to jointly manage emergencies. The emergencies include responses to fire, crisis, 911 calls, and more.

$1 million

Through the Department of Justice COPS Law Enforcement Technology Account. Funding for this request will purchase approximately 325 new mobile and portable radios for the Kannapolis and Concord Police Departments. The police departments’ current radios are 15 years old and are not compatible with the region's planned radio system upgrade. Having to operate on a different frequency than other agencies keeps the departments from communicating with other state and federal agencies and causes a large communications problem during instances of multi-jurisdictional incidents. The current technology is becoming obsolete and has been in place since1997. There are plans to replace the current system with an Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International Project 25 compliant system. Plan 25 meets federal requirements and is compatible with the State of NC's interoperability plan.

$1 million

Through the OJP Juvenile Justice Account. The Gang of One Pilot Program is a community-based initiative that provides a resource network to young people who are being pressured to join a gang or who need assistance in getting out of a gang. Gang of One has developed three educational, peer-based and school-based intervention gang prevention programs that reach thousands of youth annually and for which federal funding is needed for further expansion and outreach throughout the City of Charlotte. This program is vitally important as it assists our local, state, and federal governments to help fight against gang violence, and reduce crime.

$1 million

Through the Department of Justice COPS Law Enforcement Technology Account. Funding is needed to purchase approximately 325 new radios- mobile and portable - for the Concord and Kannapolis Police Departments. The departments’ current radios are 15 years old and are not compatible with the region’s planned radio system upgrade. In 1997, Concord and Kannapolis partnered with Cabarrus County to establish an interoperable county-wide public safety radio system. That radio system expanded the original system that Concord funded and installed in 1994. The current technology is becoming obsolete and there are plans to replace the system with an APCO Project 25 (P25) compliant system to further interoperability capabilities. The P25 system meets federal requirements and is compatible with the State of North Carolina’s interoperability plan (VIPER). Such compatibility will meet the growing population and visitor needs for safety and protection, and the demand for communicating with each other as well as other state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Defense

$8 million

Under the Defense Wide RDT&E Line 247 Socom 1160488Bb Sof Psyop Account. The ability to influence behavior through non-kinetic means is critical to executing the Global War on Terror. USSOCOM, USACAPOC and its Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Commands recognize the critical need to bring commercially available technologies to the fight. Therefore an increase is recommended to be added to the FY 10 budget request for the Defense-Wide RDT&E, SOF PSYOP line, in order for USSOCOM to initially stand-up a dedicated center for accelerating deployment of advanced technologies to support Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations missions.

$12.6M

provides dining facility for already approved work complex of admin, maintenance and barracks facility.

$40 million

Defense Wide - conduct the testing and training activities vital to sustaining military readiness

$3.8 million

United Protective Technologies (Army) - reduce UH 60 maintenance spending. This product will reduce corrosion that is expected to increase.

$8 million

SOCOM - emerging technology to understand and influence behavior associated with Global War on Terrorism. Integration system to rapidly identify, modify and test advanced technologies.

$1.7 million

North Carolina National Guard- second chance program that graduates over 70% of candidates.

$6.1 million

North Carolina National Guard- meets training and mobilization readiness requirement for training on unmanned systems. There is restricted air space access for training.

$3 million

SOCOM - provide capability to evacuate and treat critically wounded without dedicated helicopter. Decrease evac time, mortality rate and improves effectiveness of medical care

$5.6 million

Army-portable, green, environmentally friendly power source

$3.1 million

Develop the software and sensors to more accurately measure parts using the machining process

$3.5 million

18th Airborne Corps - required to meet Homeland Security, Defense and emergency preparedness operations.

$9 million

SOCOM - The RAMS B was developed to detonate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), weapons caches, and dangerous targets

$4 million

General Dynamics/Ft. Bragg - recorded training facility for fighting and surviving urban environment. Raising training environment will increase Soldier survivability.

$10 million

DoD-program help to sustain Air Force Fleet, improve total cost of systems, fuel and energy mangement

$10 million

Fulfill Operational Need Statement that was approved by Congress since 2006. This rugged light weight vehicle does not exist in Army inventory.

$5 million

Joint Services- first product provide continuous automated detection, collection, ID, warning and sample biological agents.

$1 million

Air Force -Joint Strike Fighter main shaft bearing application, as well as other weapons platforms or devices requiring high speed bearings

$1.6 million

North Carolina National Guard- unprecedented deployment of over 95% of NCNG has caused stress on families that are not geographically near military installations.

$6.7 million

Navy - operation of safe UAV's in U.S. National Air Space while promoting U.S. business growth.

$3.5 million

Army (SOCOM) -technology creates collaborations between military, entrepreneurs, and innovators that drive security and defense technology development

$13.4 million

All-weather track and wheeled vehicle assembly area to prep units for overseas deployment; a jump off point for aerial, seaport, and rail

$3 million

Navy-upgrade pump which is hazardous and requires less maintenance

$8 million

National Guard - fulfill mission of training, certifying, planning and scheduling C-130H aircrews for state and federal missions.

$2 million

Navy - reduce environmental and hygiene risk in close quarters for Navy Sailors. Ships have limited facilities and often hot bunk on ships.

$5 million

Longworth Industries (Marine Corps)-operational need for flame-resistant apparel in Iraq/Afghanistan

$16.5 million

Ft Bragg - relocate and consolidate headquarters from WWII bldgs.  Improves operational efficiency

$2 million

Through the Army Operation & Maintenance Line 03 Training and Recruiting 334 Civilian Education and Training Account. Giant Campus, Inc. offers a variety of engaging and interactive youth and adult technology training programs, which are relevant to the 21st Century job skills in military and civilian settings. We also are value added in assisting schools with meeting the education technology challenges for youth. The experiential and project-based courses we offer allow participants of all ages to gain technological and cognitive skills. These skills lead to increased social competence and personal empowerment, and most importantly, provide meaningful tools and skills that lead to future certification in Microsoft and Adobe software. In addition to Military personnel gaining greater access to technology enrichment programs, spouses gain greater social support by improving on those technology skills necessary for an improved quality of life and employability. Most important is that the next generation of military recruits, primarily military children, will be in greater control of the leading technologies and advanced skills necessary for future success, helping to further develop the needs of the 21st century military.

$1 million

In the Navy (Marine Corps.) RDT&E Line 182 0206624M Marine Corps. Combat Services Support Account. Purpose of the High Performance Capabilities for Military Vehicles Project: Launch a project that is a catalyst to link the military to motorsports best practices, engineering expertise, relevant equipment, and testing technologies. Due to wartime operational requirements and an aging defense vehicle fleet, the military is devoting significant funding toward its vehicle fleet via recapitalization and modernization activities. These activities will increase in scope and subsequent funding levels in the near-term future. As the military prepares to meet this challenge it will require substantial training and access to expertise in the wheeled vehicle industry. Numerous motorsports companies have proven their ability to generate new solutions to an array of defense vehicle challenges in on-budget and timely manner. A dedicated project that is focused on linking the military to the motorsports industry would be an important resource for tailored military training and awareness to motorsports technology, equipment, and expertise. The Institute for Defense and Business (currently located in Chapel Hill, but has extensive experience working in Charlotte) manages two U.S. Army Materiel Command executive development programs that are utilized by military and civilian personnel throughout the Department of Defense. The focus of these programs is in maintenance depot, arsenal, and logistics management. No other programs like this exist throughout the Department of Defense. The Institute for Defense and Business is postured to build upon its current expertise and value to the military and manage a project to link the military to the motorsports industry. Due to the Institute's existing personnel expertise and a concentrated motorsports cluster in the Charlotte region, this project would require limited funding to achieve maximum taxpayer value.

Energy and Water

$750,000

The Project will include a Biodiesel Fuel Production Facility, a warehouse facility, and a multi-story office complex. The production unit will utilize sugar cane to produce Biodiesel fuel. The facility will utilize train cars to move product in and out of the facility. The Town of Candor will have to install a sewer lift station on site to pump wastewater to nearest available lift station on Cole Rd., approximately 1.3 miles away. This will require 4” force main line between stations. The Town will have to accommodate railway guidelines when installing water and sewer lines beneath the surface. This will require extra cost to protect the integrity of the railroad and Town lines. The water line size required for fire protection is still undetermined and the cost of installation will be based upon placement of line tap as pressure requires. This project is a green project. It will create jobs, an alternative fuel source, and tax revenue on the local, state, and federal levels. The tax revenue will help keep taxes down for the local residents which puts more money in their pockets and the local economy.

$21,179,650

Hoke's sewer project is designed to deal with the residential growth caused by soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg.  Hoke is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.  The problem is the growth is residential, which does not pay for itself. Hoke is poor, rural and does not have a sufficient commercial tax base to serve protect and educate these new military families.  Sewer will stimulate and support more commercial growth, which will diversify the tax base and offset the burden of the residential growth. The residential growth also threatens the training mission at Fort Bragg by encroaching on training area and reducing open space used by the Red Cockaded Woodpecker.  Sewer allows Hoke County to direct the growth away from sensitive areas without inhibiting economic growth.

$1 million

NC recently passed a State Law mandating that utilities make a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources and be more energy efficient by 2021. Charlotte is experiencing a rapid growth in energy sector related jobs, but has a lack of highly trained workers to fill them. The Carolinas Energy Training Center will be a regional, cross-disciplinary training program and lab facility created to meet the demand for workers to support the rapidly growing energy sector in North Carolina. CPCC will engage regional partners to establish a training program and lab facility with the goal of creating a skilled workforce to meet the dynamic needs of the Charlotte region's energy economy.

$2.5 million

These funds would pay for the construction of a one million gallon elevated water tank to vastly improve the distribution and fire flow capabilities in the Eastern portion of Kannapolis. This project will also supply water service to a 200 acre tract of industrial land adjacent to I-85 and provide infastructure to respond to the new development in the Northeastern portion of Cabarrus County.

$4 million

The Briar Creek Relief Sewer project consists of 10 miles of new, large diameter sewer lines. The project will provide for additional capacity within the Briar Creek basin, all of which is in the inner portion of Charlotte, primarily to address wet weather flows and to provide for additional growth capacity. Without the project the City will likely be subject to enforcement actions by EPA for sewer overflows during large storm events and moratoriums on wastewater connections in the future. The project will ultimately have 3 phases spread over about 8-10 years, with the total construction cost estimated at $95 million. The FY 2010 request is for $4million for Phase 2 which commenced in 2008 with design and easement mapping and acquisation and is expected to start construction in early 2010 with a cost of $33 million.

$3.8 million

The City of Kannapolis has entered into a public-private partnership agreement with a development group for the constructuion of a new Business Park west of city limits along NC Highway 3. It is anticipated that the project's 5-year build-out will reach close to $120.0 million in tax value and create more than 500 new jobs. The developer is constructing a major off-site sewer line to the site at a cost of $1.2 million. The city committed to designing and constructing a 2650-foot water extension from the existing line at Shiloh Church Road, as well as an elevated water tank and a booster pump station.

$2.5 million

The City of Concord's National Ecosystem Restoration plan contains instream restoration measures along 2,000 and 3,450 linear feet of Academy Center Branch and Stricker Branch, respectively, as well as the construction of three stormwater management facilities in each watershed. These two stream restoration segments are both situated within future greenways sites listed in the county-wide master plan for parks and greenways, and a portion of the greenway along Academy Center Branch has already been completed by the City of Concord.

In addition to stream restoration, this project will provide an educational component incorporated with the greenway. Located adjacent to the greenways, the public will see first-hand how environmentally sensitive areas can be reclaimed and returned to stable conditions, or even enhanced, once development occurs. More specifically, along the greenways there will be stations that educate users on general information about the streams, common pollutants and their impacts on the streams, pollution prevention practices, how stream restoration enhances water quality, and information on who to call if there is a spill. This process should also enhance local awareness of the potential adverse impacts of urban development and garner support for local preservation and restoration activities.

$2 million

The Rural Center Water and Wastewater System Efficiency Program provides planning assistance for a town to conduct a water audit and to undertake a leak detection program to identify sources of major underground water loss in either the water or sewer system. The program will then provide resources toward repairing identified leaks. The program will reduce operating costs, conserve water, and/or prevent environmental contamination. In a time of persistent, severe, and more frequent drought, the program will help preserve a precious resource. The Water and Wastewater System Efficiency Program demonstrates that investments in existing systems will generate additional capacity, reduce the amount of unbilled water, and reduce expenses caused by inflow and infiltration in small rural systems, thus reducing the demand for federal and state program dollars (EPA, USDA, ARC and EDA) to support more costly methods of system replacement. Due to limited funding, the program will be targeted to the rural communities participating in the Rural Center’s Small Town Economic Prosperity (STEP) program in the NC-08 congressional district which includes Candor and Mt. Gilead.

Financial Services

$750,000

Through the Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses Account. In the past several years Eastland mall, a 1.1 million square foot regional shopping center, has declined to today where only one of the possible four anchor stores remains fully operational and 30 percent of the mall stores are vacant. This is due to several factors, including the fact that big box stores are moving into the mall’s market area, the current development of other shopping centers to serve the growing urban fringe, and household income in the mall’s market area is not rising as quickly as the rest of Charlotte. The City of Charlotte has taken several steps to address the decline of Eastland Mall and taken preliminary steps to implement various renewal plans. The funding would be used to perform a more detailed analysis and design of the civic/community center and other parts of redevelopment plan as required by the private sector development partner for this project. The plan for the completed project will include 275,00 square feet of retail, 300 residential units, 15 acres of open space and 10 acres for civic/community center. This revitalization would provide for increased economic opportunities within the City, and recreate a regional shopping and residential center for the City.

Homeland Security

$1.2 million

Through the FEMA Predisaster Mitigation Account, which will go to the City of Kannapolis. The 8th Street culvert connector road from Main Street to West A Street is utilized by a number of citizens and the nearby Woodrow Wilson Elementary School as a primary transportation route. The existing structure is a six-five foot long 4' x 8' box culvert that was constructed using granite blocks mortared into place. As a result of Tropical Storm Fay, large cracks in the wall and floor of the culvert have allowed water to enter the area behind it and erode the surrounding fill material. This situation has caused a slope failure on the downstream side of 8th Street. In addition, a number of the blocks used to form the top of the culvert have broken into two pieces, limiting structural support for the roadway above and necessitating the roadway's closure since December 2008.

The 8th Street culvert over Lumber Yard Branch is a significant connector road from Main Street to West A Street utilized by a number of Kannapolis citizens and the nearby Woodrow Wilson Elementary School as a primary transportation route that failed as a result of Tropical Storm Fay. City residents use this road for east-west movement in the City of Kannapolis for shopping, accessing the city's parks, the YMCA, library, and for commuting to jobs. The road is indefinitely closed pending the appropriation of funding to replace the creek crossing. The funds will be sent to Kannapolis, NC (P.O. Box 1199; Kannapolis, NC 28082-1199).

$500,000

ALERT has prepared for a structural collapse event through the development of its Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) capability. This capability is currently at a National Incident Management System level that can respond to an event and operation at a medium level. However, because the need exists for greater capability, the team would like to enhance its equipment and training to that of a FEMA-type Team. Currently the closest FEMA USAR Team is located in Virginia Beach, VA with a response time of 12 hours to Charlotte. Because of the increasing numbers of high-rises and large buildings in the city center, it has become necessary to increase the capability of ALERT's USAR Team to that of a FEMA-type Team. This would allow for ALERT to operate at a higher level and save more lives, not only in Charlotte, but throughout the State of North Carolina. The need to have the proper equipment and training within the State is vital to the success of any collapse incident. Due to the severity and massive scale of structural collapses ALERT cannot afford to wait 12 hours or more for the proper equipment and trained personnel to arrive and begin rescue operations. Furthermore, since Charlotte-Mecklenburg ALERT is designed to respond to both terrorism and natural disasters, it serves as a state-wide asset and has been deployed several times across the state to various disasters: deployed five times to hurricanes in North Carolina, including three times to the eastern coastal areas including the outer banks by Blackhawk helicopter during hurricane Isabel; twice to the mountains of North Carolina for floods and land slides; and several times to areas in and around Charlotte for collapses of bridges, parking decks and buildings. This project will support the Manufactures who produce and supply the different tools and supplies that ALERT will be purchasing. This will also support the 20 + local training instructors who are needed to train personnel on the equipment who will be employed through the Community College. The funds will be sent to the Charlotte Fire Department (228 East 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202-2530).

$1 million

Through the FEMA State and Local Programs/Emergency Operations Center Account, which will go to Scotland County, North Carolina.  This project will relocate the Scotland County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from its location in the flood plain and adjacent to railroad, and expand and improve its 911 capabilities.  This self-contained EOC will allow for operation for 72 hours with essential EOC personnel onsite to respond to any incident.  The EOC will operate a unified command structure with appropriate communication infrastructure.  The center will also be used for training, a location for the distribution of public information, and for governmental meetings and activities.  The center will improve public safety, especially in times of major emergencies.  The EOC is just 300 yards from an active mainline railroad.  That railroad is the largest threat Scotland County faces on a daily basis from transport of hazardous waste, dangerous chemicals and explosives.  In addition, the EOC is merely a conference room in a County building, with limited telephone and computer network connectivity.  Scotland County is seeking to establish a primary emergency operations center (EOC) to provide for continuity of government, and direction and control of emergency operations.  The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency directs that EOCs be "survivable"; that is, have the ability to continue to function under any condition that would destroy or disable normal systems or structures.  Inadequate and outmoded, Scotland County's current EOC is located in a flood plain and adjacent to an active mainline railroad.  Analyses have shown that the railroad poses the greatest threat to the area because of the regular transport of hazardous materials.  These federal funds will help the County better meet FEMA standards by relocating the facility away from railroad and out of the flood plain, and equipping it with modern capabilities.  What is more, the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the need to improve state, local and tribal emergency management and preparedness by providing federal funds through its Emergency Operations Centers Grant Program.  The creek crossing's provision for significant east west connectivity serves as a major link for the City's emergency services personnel during emergency events that threaten local, statewide and national security. These funds may be used for construction projects and renovation initiatives, and will be sent to Laurinburg, NC (PO Box 489; Laurinburg, NC; 28353).

The project is a good use of taxpayers' money because, in its current location, the Scotland County Emergency Operations Center could be significantly compromised by a rail disaster or major flooding.  Should either occur, Scotland County could lose its ability to react and respond effectively to a catastrophic event.  Such a loss of command, communication and control would pose an unacceptably high risk to public safety in the City of Laurinburg and surrounding Scotland County.  These taxpayer funds will help Scotland County relocate and upgrade its emergency operations center and better preserve the safety of its residents.

Interior and Environment

$300,000

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to the City of Laurinburg, North Carolina. This funding is vital to ensuring a dependable, safe supply of drinking water, improving local infrastructure, and preserving the community’s economic well being. A safe and efficient water and wastewater system is critical to the entire region. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to provide needed water and wastewater infrastructure to an economically distressed area which cannot afford to upgrade its water and sanitation infrastructure.

$3,898,144

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to the Town of Wadesboro, North Carolina. South Wadesboro, located in an economically depressed rural county, has a large residential area where over 160 homes currently have no sewage service. Septic tanks in the area have a high rate of failure, and currently sewage flows in open trenches within the Town’s neighborhoods. Funding for this project will help create needed water and sewage infrastructure, and help local, state, and federal governments to provide needed sanitation infrastructure and improve public health.

$11.5 million

From the EPA Environmental Programs and Management Account, which will go to Tucker Engineering working with Scotland County, North Carolina.  The project will consume 85% of Municipal Solid Waste from Scotland County, which is currently being shipped approximately 70 miles to a landfill in another North Carolina county.  The remaining 15% will continue to be shipped.  In addition, the project will: create jobs within Scotland County, reduce greenhouse gases being emitted to the atmosphere by eliminating organic waste buried in landfills and reduce emissions from vehicles used to transport and bury the garbage, save the county approximately $1.7 million per year  in garbage shipping cost , including the associated fuel and trucks required, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by producing clean energy in the form of natural gas, with no hazardous by-products or emissions, and produce energy from a renewable source, helping Progress Energy meet its requirement of furnishing 3% of its total electricity from renewable sources by 2012.

$200,000

From the EPA STAG Other Account, which will go to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. This project will address biologically impaired streams through the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) initiative. Funds for this project will be combined with state and local resources to restore, retrofit and/or preserve land that has already been acquired and is in public ownership. These projects may include, but are not limited to, the construction of wetlands, restoration of streams, and establishment of vegetative buffers. Mecklenburg County's S.W.I.M. Initiative began as a result of the Board of County Commissioners' adoption of the "Creek Use Policy" in 1996. The Creek Use Policy calls for all waters in the County to be "swimmable and fishable." S.W.I.M. is a three-phase, 15-year plan designed to preserve the best surface waters in the County, improve moderate quality water, and restore the worst waters to a level which will make them suitable for prolonged human contact and recreational opportunities. The S.W.I.M. Initiative has already resulted in measurable improvements to water quality conditions in Mecklenburg County. Funding for this project will assist local, state, and federal governments to help improve water quality, the environment, and public health.

$8,827,490j

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Richmond County, North Carolina. The Richmond County Water Treatment Plant is currently capable of treating 6.75 million gallons a day (mgd) of potable water. The county is treating daily over six million gallons per day during high demand periods and need to expand the plant to 10.75 mgd to meet future demand. This will be a benefit to the citizens of Richmond County and allow the county to expand its distribution system to areas which use private wells. The engineering plans for this project have been completed. Funding for this project will assist local, state, and federal governments to help improve sanitation infrastructure and improve public health.

$566,370

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Montgomery County, North Carolina. This project consists of approximately 100’ LF of bank stabilization through construction of a sheet pile bulkhead to protect the raw water intake pump house for the Montgomery County Water System. The current erosion protection on the bank adjacent to the structure has failed and threatens to disrupt water withdrawal for treatment. Funds to this project will help local, state, and federal government to provide needed sanitation infrastructure and improve public health.

$624,000

From the EPA STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Montgomery County, North Carolina. The project consists of 5,900 LF of 6-inch water main along Mt. Carmel Church Road, a new booster pump, a pressure reducing station near the Uwharrie River, and a 100,000 gallon storage tank on Correll Road. These components will address high pressure problems near the river and low pressure problems along Correll Road. The project will assist local, state, and federal governments to prove water infrastructure improvements to an economically distressed area.

$5 million

From the EPA Environmental Programs and Management Account, which will go to The Water Research Foundation for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. Funding for this project will improve drinking water technologies. The project will help make drinking water more clean, affordable, and available to the public. In addition, funding for the research will be provided free to local, state, and federal agencies.

$1 million

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Stanly County, North Carolina. The project involves the construction of sanitary sewer collection facilities and wastewater transportation facilities to convey wastewater from the Endy Elementary School to the City of Albemarle. Final treatment will be handled by the City of Albemarle. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to provide needed sanitation infrastructure to an economically distressed area and will improve public health.

$2 million

From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to the Cities of Concord, Kannapolis, and Albemarle, North Carolina. Funding for this project will be used to construct an 87,500 feet water line running from Albemarle to Concord. Albemarle’s water treatment plant has an excess of raw water, while Concord and Kannapolis are struggling to meet water demands. In fact, these two cities’ combined water demand will exceed 30 million gallons per day in the next 20 years. This project is also needed to attract new job growth to the area which lost thousands of jobs in the textile, tobacco, and apparel industries. It is well known that adequate water infrastructure must be in place to attract and support new business. It is imperative that the cities put the necessary infrastructure in place to not only support its residents and businesses, but also to attract new industry and jobs to the area.

$1 million

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Stanly County, North Carolina. This project involves the repair and replacement of water distribution system components, which have been contributing to unaccounted water loss. The project also includes the replacement of deteriorated water service lines, leaking valves, hydrants, and the general repair of all systems contributing to the loss of treated water. Additionally, the sewer component of this project will focus on the replacement of deteriorated brick manholes and clay pipe services. These repairs are intended to eliminate inflow and infiltration which if left unabated will lead to overflows of wastewater during rainfall events. Furthermore, the Badin area has been contaminated for decades with pollution and toxic dumping by Alcoa. Thus, a fully functional water and wastewater system are essential for public health. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to provide needed sanitation infrastructure and improve public health.

$2,165,000

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Montgomery County, North Carolina. This project consists of a new 1 million gallon storage water tank near Wadeville and additional booster pumps at Stations 1 and 2. These components will lower pressure problems in the area, and provide the needed backup pumps at Stations 1 and 2. Currently, the booster pump stations at these locations do not have a secondary pump capable of meeting the daily demand. The existing Wadeville tank is only a 100,000 gallon tank and is not at an elevation high enough to provide constant service for all customers at higher elevations within the system. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to provide improved water infrastructure to an economically depressed area. The project received funding in FY'09.

$6.1 million

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Anson County. The project will install approximately 50,000 LF of new 24-inch water line from ground storage in Lilesville to the county’s water tank in Wadesboro to ensure reliability for water availability and regional water sales. The 24-inch water line was installed in 1966. Presently, Anson County provides water services to 11 other municipalities. Funding for this project will help the county to continue to provide water services to the other municipalities who are experiencing drought, water infrastructure rehabilitation, and other problems. The project will assist local, state, and federal governments to provide needed water infrastructure for an economically distressed area.

$6,024,000

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Account, which will go to the Town of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The project is designed to address the sewer system as a whole through the construction of 29,350 ft. of sewer line which will eliminate four failing pump stations. The entire sewer system of the Town relies upon the pump stations that are over 50 years old. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to provide upgraded sanitation equipment to an economically distressed area, improve public health, and protect the environment.

$5,982,570

From the EPA STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Project Account, which will go to Union County, North Carolina. Rapid growth in the western part of Union County has overtaxed the wastewater system, and restricts the county’s ability to accommodate commercial and manufacturing economic development. Union County established in 2007 a “Sewer Allocation Policy” that lists private development projects which are unable to proceed until the county allocates sewer capacity. The private projects are ready to build, and are prioritized based on environmental permitting status and land use approvals. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to benefit from job creation with the creation of additional sewage infrastructure. The project will also improve public health.

Labor HHS and Education

$500,000

Through the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration-Health Facilities and Services Account, which will go to Methodist University.  The diminishing rate of physicians in primary care, especially family medicine, and the ever increasing population in North Carolina, has prompted an urgent call for Physician Assistant (PA) professionals.  However, Methodist University must expand its existing facilities to accommodate any increase in enrollment.  Due to space limitations, the cadaver laboratory at the Veterans Medical Center will no longer be available to the Methodist University PA program.  Thus, Methodist University is implementing a capital campaign to build the Human Anatomy Laboratory, which provides the basis for understanding physiology, disease processes, diagnostic radiology, surgical and traumatic conditions, and interventional therapy through the use of clinical lectures and the dissection of human cadavers.  Methodist University anticipates measurable improvements in healthcare, education and rural economies as a direct and indirect result of further growth in the PA program.  Expected improvements include: a decrease in mortality rates among rural and underserved populations in southeastern North Carolina; a regional population more educated in hygiene, disease prevention and nutrition; an increase in the primary care clinicians in rural North Carolina communities; and stronger local communities that can contribute to an improved state economy.  Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to better be able to provide healthcare services to citizens.

$2.9 million

Through the Department of Education Elementary & Secondary Education Account, which will go to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.  Essentially, the Redesign 2.0 combines the learning of two state pilots (incorporating technology with curriculum redesign) into a model, and then implements that model in several additional pilot schools in several North Carolina counties.  The model can serve as a national model to ensure that we are fully engaging and motivating our students.  The national role is to provide consistency, information sharing as to what works (and what does not), and to ensure that we are addressing our educational challenges in a comprehensive manner.  This country faces a high school dropout rate that has been estimated to be upwards of 30%.   At the same time, this country is facing tremendous challenges encouraging our students to study the STEM core competencies. Together, these challenges raise troubling issues about whether this nation is educating the workforce that we will need for the future, not just to stay competitive, but to maintain a high standard of living.  Solving this problem is not simply a matter of providing more state funding, or even more federal funding.  We must all work together in public-private collaborations in our pursuit of new and innovative approaches.

$500,000

Through the Department of Education Higher Education Account, which will go to Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).  CPCC requests these funds for the creation of a Homeland Security Integrated Training Institute, where training programs will focus on the prevention and detection of homeland security threats.  The Institute will meet priorities set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including transportation security, prevention, and protection of the homeland.  The cross-disciplinary Institute will be led by experts from the Carolina's Center, and American Academy of Forensics.  Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal government efforts to prevent domestic terrorist attacks.

$1 million

Through the Department of Education Elementary & Secondary Education Account, which will go to the Laurinburg Institute.  The Institute proposes to reduce the educational gap amongst minorities by increasing the Institute's curriculum by strengthening course offerings in the areas of business, citizenship, computer utilization, sciences, mathematics, and language skills.  The curriculum expansion will include the creation of a math, science & technology, and engineering program.  Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal government efforts to decrease the education gap amongst minority and disadvantaged students to pursue a higher education.

$200,000

Through the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will go to Methodist University.  The Methodist University Health Care Administration Program, focusing on the 11-county BRAC region surrounding Ft. Bragg will study the impact of the FORSCOM/USARC personnel growth on access to healthcare and develop recommendations for community leadership in the eleven county region.  Implementation of the FORSCOM/USARC BRAC recommendations in Cumberland County and the surrounding areas will bring an estimated 25, 000 military service members and their families to the region by 2012.  This comprehensive 9-month study will encompass primary and secondary medical providers, using a variety of methods, including a Delphi study, to survey the current health care system and assess its ability to absorb the additional growth.  With the influx of significant numbers of active duty personnel and their dependents, the health of the civilian community and military retirees could be at risk if resources and strategic healthcare planning are not accomplished.  This study will provide data that indicates the level of preparedness and the growth in the healthcare system which must take place.  A real concern is the impact this population will have on the region's ability to provide access to health care, especially for veterans.  More than 42,000 veterans live in Cumberland County and the Fayetteville VA Medical Center reported regular enrollees of 44,200 in 2008.  This project will help local, state, and federal governments be better able to provide needed healthcare services to a growing population. 

$390,000

Through the Department of Education Elementary & Secondary Education Account, which will go to the Hoke County Schools.  Hoke County Schools is seeking funds to improve instructional technology in the school district.  Through this project, Hoke County Schools plans to purchase SmartBoards and supporting equipment to place in classrooms to provide interactive learning experiences for students.  Hoke County Schools will be targeting all elementary schools so that every classroom will have a SmartBoard.  Currently, Hoke County Schools have placed SmartBoard technology in approximately 57% of all classrooms in the district.  This project will produce results that measure the effectiveness of technological tools used in instruction and how they directly and indirectly affect student learning.  Our projected outcomes for this project are to increase the level of student learning through enhanced instruction, increase EOG/EOC test scores, demonstrate how technology is supportive and conducive to student learning, and to produce responsible, independent learners who are engaged with 21st century tools, that will in turn, lead them to success throughout life.  Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments’ efforts to help students to become more technologically literate.

$1 million

Through the Department of Health and Human Services-Health Facilities and Services Account, which will go to Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).  Over 50 health care programs are offered by eight community colleges in the 12 county Charlotte region. Hands-on, internship-like experiences are critical to an individual's development from student to clinician, and they are growing increasingly scarce.  In response to this need, CPCC will lead the regional effort to establish advanced training facility equipped with state-of-the-art teaching simulators and an equipment loan program. This effort would increase the number of highly trained healthcare workers that graduate from nursing and allied health program and enter a healthcare profession as clinician or educator.  This program aims to increase the number of healthcare providers, which will help local, state, and federal government goals of providing needed health care services to its citizens.

Military Construction

$6.1 million

Through the Department of Defense Army National Guard Account, which will go to the North Carolina National Guard. This project will enable the North Carolina National Guard to fulfill mobilization and readiness requirements of qualified unmanned system operators. The North Carolina National Guard has limited airspace to train, which inhibits their operational readiness. Funding for this project will help save the lives of soldiers, and reduce DoD logistical expenditures.

$84.7 million

Through the Department of Defense Army Account (Defense Access Road Program), which will go to the Department of Defense. The “Murchison Road Phase 2” project includes finance design, right-of-way, and construction of new off-installation entrances to Army activities which are urgently needed for improvement of existing highway which serve Army activities. The project widens approximately four miles of Murchison Road from four lanes to six lanes (to include interchanges at Randolph St. and Honeycut Road) to accommodate traffic redirected due to the closure of Ft. Bragg Boulevard that is needed for anti-terrorism and force protection. The project also includes road improvements to provide a new entrance to an existing elementary school. The second phase is for the Army's share of approximately two miles of six-lane Murchison Road from the Honeycutt Road past Butner Road tying into Spring Lake (including the Randolph Street interchange). Failure to provide funds will preclude both the improvement of Murchinson Road and the closure of Ft. Bragg Boulevard to non-DoD traffic. This will hinder Ft Bragg's ability to adequately secure the installation.

$8 million

Through the Department of Defense Army National Guard Account, which will go to North Carolina National Guard. This project will fulfill mission of training, certifying, planning, and scheduling of C-130H aircrews for state and federal missions.

$13.4 million

All-weather track and wheeled vehicle assembly area to prep units for overseas deployment; a jump off point for aerial, seaport, and rail.

$16.5 million

Through the Department of Defense Army Account, which will go to Ft. Bragg. This project will relocate and consolidate headquarters from World War II buildings, and improve operational efficiency for Ft. Bragg main support brigade. Project facilitates the BRAC Commission requirements.

$12.6 million

Through the Department of Defense Army Account, which will go to Ft. Bragg.  The project will provide a dining facility for an already approved work complex of administrative building, maintenance and barracks facility.  Project facilitates the BRAC Commission requirements due to troop increase at Ft. Bragg due to the addition of FORSCOM and Reserve Commands.

Transportation and Urban Development

$2 million

Through the FHWA TCSP Account, which will go to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.  This project consists of widening of NC 49 from east of SR 2630 (Cline Road) to east of NC 73 in Cabarrus County.  It is a segment of a larger project to widen NC 49 to multi-lanes from Harrisburg to the Yadkin River.  NC49 is part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Strategic Highway Corridor Program and is considered to play a critical role in regional and statewide mobility.  In addition to local traffic using NC 49, many travelers use NC 49 and US 64 as an alternative to traveling the interstate between Raleigh and Charlotte.  Expansion of the roadway will provide a greater level of service and enhance the safety of the facility.  Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal government efforts to reduce traffic injury and fatalities and congestion.

$500,000

Through the Housing and Urban Development EDI Account, which will go to Scotland County, North Carolina.  Scotland County will use these funds to help expand and equip its facility for the community’s seniors.  For a County with a population of 37,000, Scotland County's senior center serves 5,000 annually.  The center requires expansion and upgrades to be a modern, well-equipped facility suitable to care for the county's aging population.  This facility will continue to be a necessary resource for the care of the area’s seniors.

$6.8 million

Through the FHWA TCSP Account, which will go to the City of Kannapolis, North Carolina. The City of Kannopolis is committing all available resources to prepare for and support the North Carolina Research Campus. The campus will be a major economic engine for the city and this project would greatly improve accessibility to the campus. Rogers Lake Road is a major road through the Heart of Kannapolis; however, it is one of the last remaining at-grade railroad crossings left in the city. This current two lane crossing with no turn lanes causes many dangerous situations where traffic backs up over the railroad crossing and into the intersection with Ridge Ave (another major transportation route). This project will improve the at-grade crossing by adding turn lanes, realigning the roads, and installing a new signal system while improving drainage. Also the project will create an overpass for the railroad and keep traffic moving below. This project will help local, state, and federal governments to meet roadway safety standards by reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, and also reduce congestion.

$1.3 million

Through the FAA Airport Improvement Program Account, which will go to Richmond County, North Carolina.  The Richmond County Airport’s runway is due for a complete asphalt overlay.  The existing asphalt is approximately 15 years old and is deteriorating.  This airport is used by local industries to fly industry personnel in and out of Richmond County.  Local pilots who fly for recreation also use the airport.  This project has been engineered and is ready to be done.  Funds for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to reach FAA safety standards.

$665,000

Through the FAA Airport Improvement Program Account, which will go towards the Richmond County Airport. The Richmond County Airport’s runway safety area needs to be extended to meet Federal Aviation Administration’s minimum requirements. This is a safety concern. The plans and engineering for this project have been completed. This airport is used by local industries to fly industry personnel in and out of Richmond County. Local pilots who fly for recreation also use the airport. Funding for this project will help meet local, state, and federal government aviation safety standards, and will also help spur economic development for an economically distressed area.

$2 million

Through the FAA Airport Improvement Program Account, which will go to the Montgomery County Airport.  The project will provide the airport with a Terminal Building and associated aircraft parking apron.  Funding will help the county to bring in additional aircraft, and assist the county in improving its economic development opportunities.

$1,650,000

Through the FAA Airport Improvement Program Account, which will go towards Montgomery County Airport. Montgomery County Airport’s existing asphalt pavement is in need of rehabilitation. After years of use, the asphalt has become highly oxidized, brittle, and in several areas its pavement is cracking. It also needs to be strengthened to meet a maximum single wheel load of 12,500 pounds of today’s light jets. The airport plays an important role for Montgomery County in many different areas including business, tourism, flight training, entertainment, crime fighting, fire fighting, and search and rescue, and also benefits the state economy. In addition, funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to improve air traffic safety.

$5 million

Through the FAA Airport Improvement Program Account, which will go to the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission. The Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission is seeking federal funds to rehabilitate the airport’s 6500-foot runway. The runway’s condition at present is poor and poses a safety hazard to aircraft using the airport. The rehabilitation project is critical to the airport. Without it, the airport’s ability to operate as an engine for economic growth for the region will be greatly diminished. In addition, the rebuilt runway is essential for plans to have Laurinburg-Maxton serve as a much-needed reliever airport for the increasingly busy Fayetteville Regional Airport. The airport is essential to the local and state governments of North Carolina as it serves as a vital engine for economic development for one of the state’s most economically distressed areas. In addition, funds secured for this project will help local, state, and the federal governments to meet FAA safety standards.

$1 million

Through the Housing and Urban Development EDI Account, which will go to the Laurinburg Institute. Presently, five of the campus’ eleven original buildings are functional and habitable. This has contributed to a precipitous decline in the school's value, and continues to effect enrollment and revenue capacity. Consequently, the Laurinburg Institute does not have the financial capacity to commence the much-needed renovation to restore all eleven buildings. The Laurinburg Institute proposes to renovate the eleven all-brick structures of the Institute to its original condition. The renovation project will provide the opportunity to leverage the Institute’s strategic relationship with local, state, national, and global communities where the school has an unprecedented and historically successful record of graduating minority and disadvantaged students. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to successfully continue in providing higher education to minority and disadvantaged youth.

$2 million

Through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Interstate Maintenance Discretionary Account, which will go to the City of Concord Department of Transportation. The portion of I-85 in Cabarrus County between Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties shrinks from eight to four lanes causing tremendous traffic congestion. The current congestion contributes to both significant travel delays and subsequent air quality issues. This part of the project (NCDOT TIP Project No. I-3803-B) will widen I-85 to eight lanes from Speedway/Concord Mills Boulevard (just north of I-485 in Mecklenburg County) to NC 73 – a total of 7.2 miles. Maintaining eight lanes through Cabarrus County will eliminate existing congestion by providing additional capacity, benefitting not only metro area commuters, but all north/south I-85 travelers. From May 2002 to April 2005, 688 vehicle collisions were recorded on I-85 within the proposed project limits. These crashes were primarily a result of the heavy stop and go traffic during peak travel times. This portion of the interstate provides access to Concord Mills Mall – the largest tourist attraction in North Carolina, Lowes Motor Speedway, and Concord Regional Airport – the fourth busiest airport in the State, as well as a majority of other industry in the area. It is imperative that I-85 be widened to attract new industry to this site and others. The project will also affect the success of the new North Carolina Research Campus in neighboring Kannapolis. Funding for this project will help the local, state, and federal governments to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, congestion, and help improve air quality issues. In addition, funding for this initiative will help local and state efforts to bring jobs to the economically distressed area.

$1.3 million

Through the Housing and Urban Development EDI-Neighborhood Initiatives Community Planning & Development Account, which will go to the Homeless Support Services of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. In accordance with Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s ten year plan to end homelessness, the Urban Ministry Center (UMC) is implementing a two-year pilot project for providing permanent supportive housing to the chronically homeless population. The UMC is committed to leading the community from a shelter-based homeless services model to a housing-based model by developing the County’s first Permanent Supportive Housing complex with 80-100 efficiency apartments for the chronically homeless. This project meets local, state, and federal government priorities as it aims to provide housing to the less fortunate. Charlotte-Mecklenburg has more than 6,000 homeless (over 500-600 are chronically homeless) yet less than 800 shelter beds. The shelters are frequently overcrowded and turning homeless persons away. The Ten Year Plan has recommended that the community shift service strategy away from a shelter-based model to a supportive service, housing-based model in order to reduce this growing problem and overflow at the shelters. The project provides a proper use of taxpayer’s funds on the local, state, and federal levels as it provides needed services for senior citizens.

$166,000

Through the FHWA TCSP Account, which will go to the Town of Gibson. Funding for this project will provide a new roof on the train depot in Gibson, and help preserve the Town’s historic train depot. The train depot is used by the town’s fire department, churches, and city council members to conduct meetings.

$2 million

Through the FHWA Transportation, Community, and System Preservation (TCSP) Account, which will go to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The purpose of the Fayetteville Outer Loop is to provide a multi-lane freeway on the south, west and north sides of Fayetteville to serve traffic demands and to provide direct access from I-95 to the Fort Bragg Military Reservation with a new crossing of the Cape Fear River. The project is identified as a Strategic Highway Corridor and is on the National Highway System and State Intrastate System. Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal government efforts to reduce traffic injury and fatalities, congestion, and will help provide better access to Ft. Bragg.

$1,715,000

Through the Housing and Urban Development EDI Account, which will go to the North Carolina Research Campus. Funding for this project will provide needed high speed optical networking between the campus and other academic and research intensive institutions within the state. Researchers will require high speed connectivity to conduct their experiments, engage in collaborative activities with other researchers, and to access large data stores. The research campus has been and will continue to be a very high profile endeavor at all layers of government in the state. Interconnectedness is crucial for maintaining lasting relationships between academic, government, and private institutions within our scope. It is paramount for the growth and success of the campus. The success of this project is important for local and state governments as the research campus is helping to provide jobs for an economically depressed area of the state. Specifically, the campus has created numerous jobs which have replaced the thousands of textile manufacturing jobs which have left southwest North Carolina. In addition, the project benefits the federal government as it provides high speed optical networking for one of the poorest regions of the state which has no strong high speed optical infrastructure.

$2,925,000

Through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Facilities and Equipment Account, which will go to the City of Concord Regional Airport. The current control tower at Concord Regional Airport (CRA) was originally built as an observation area for the airport, and was used for air traffic control work during Concord’s May and October NASCAR races. When CRA became a Contract Tower in 2001 the facility was upgraded to meet FAA specifications. Radar and other equipment have been added, which takes up all of the tower’s useable space. Some equipment is even stored in a nearby office. Additionally, CRA’s Runway 20 was recently extended from 5,500 feet to 7,400 feet. That extension was 1,900 feet to the north of the tower, which reduces the visual capacity of the controllers for aircraft at the north end. The new tower will be higher to increase visual capacity, and will also have adequate space to house all equipment and meet the needs of the staff and customers. Additionally, there is a building that obstructs the approach to Runway 20, and therefore the usable length of Runway 20 is being reduced to 6,750 feet. As a result, CRA needs to purchase land (air rights) to eliminate existing and future obstructions in the approach to Runway 20. CRA is the busiest general aviation airport in the State of North Carolina. It is imperative that controllers have the visual capacity to safely guide all inbound and outbound flights. A new, higher tower will provide that additional visual capacity, thereby maximizing safety and use of the newly lengthened runway. Funds for the new air traffic control tower will help local, state, and federal governments to improve air traffic safety.

$30 million

Through the Federal Transit Administration New Starts/Fixed Guideway Account, which will go to the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Blue Line Extension Light Rail Project, one of Charlotte's five rapid transit corridors, extends 11 miles from Center City Charlotte through the North Davidson Street and University City areas to I-485 northeast of UNC-Charlotte. The dual track system will be considered an extension of the LYNX Blue Line (South Corridor) with 13 proposed stations. Specifically, the project will serve to reduce traffic congestion, ease future air and noise pollution, and enhance the overall quality of life in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Due to the City of Charlotte’s increasing population the project will help local, state, and federal governments to reduce traffic congestion, traffic fatalities and injuries, and reduce air and noise pollution.

$500,000

Through the Federal Transit Administration New Starts/Fixed Guideway Account, which will go to the City of Charlotte, North Carolina.  As part of the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan, CATS plans to implement a modern streetcar system extending ten miles from the Rosa Parks Place Transit Center through the downtown and extending to the Eastland Mall Transit Center. Funding is needed for the preliminary engineering phase of the project.  The project will assist local, state, and federal governments to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, improve air quality, and reduce congestion.

$5.3 million

Through the FAA Airport Improvement Program, which will go to the City of Monroe, North Carolina.  Federal funds are needed to complete the city’s efforts to lengthen and strengthen the runway and supporting taxiways, and build a ramp at the north end of Runway 23.  The runway and taxiways are being lengthened from 5,500 feet to 7,000 feet because the airport cannot support larger aircraft, which hinders service to local business and industry.  Furthermore, the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport is a reliever airport for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, yet certain planes cannot divert to Monroe given the runway’s length and weight constraints.  The new ramp area will service up to 35 acres of future industrial and/or hangar development, which will assist in the City’s efforts to generate new jobs, particularly in the aerospace industry.  The City of Monroe is home to the highest concentration of aerospace companies in the State of North Carolina.  The workforce and training resources are readily available for new companies to relocate to Monroe.  This project will provide economic development opportunities for local and state governments as jobs are desperately needed.  In addition, the project will help local, state, and federal governments to meet FAA safety guidelines.

$1 million

Through the Housing and Urban Development EDI Account, which will go to Cumberland County, North Carolina.  There are approximately 1,000 manufactured homes currently classified by Cumberland County Code Enforcement Section as junked, dilapidated or abandoned.  In addition there are 234 listed as storage or damaged according to the Tax Assessor's Office.  While some of these manufactured homes meet current minimum housing standards, many do not, and many others have been abandoned.  Some homes will need to be dismantled on site since they would represent a hazard if transported along our roadways.  The beneficiaries of the project will be the individual owners and the community in general.  Some projects related to dilapidated and abandoned manufactured homes approach the problem in a piecemeal fashion.  With sufficient funding, Cumberland County can take a comprehensive approach and significantly improve the county and improve the quality of life of its residents.  Further delays in funding assistance will invariably have an increased cost in their removal through an increase in dumping fees or contractor costs, and without revenue sources the homes remain and the problem continues.  Funding for this project will help local, state, and federal governments to provide jobs and will help develop new commercial and residential opportunities on the property once the old homes are removed.

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