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<br /> <br />November 15, 2004 <br /> <br />Page <br /> <br />677 <br /> <br />agreement with the NCDOT to provide rural public transportation <br />services. <br /> <br />(G-2) Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Study (CEDS) Presentation <br />and Requested Resolution <br /> <br />Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director, stated Al Sharpe, Executive <br />Director of the Centralina Council of Governments (COG), would present the <br />background and recommendations of the Centralina Regional Comprehensive <br />Economic Development Strategy (RCEDS) project. He said the RCEDS study <br />followed up on a congressional district-wide study and focused on Cabarrus <br />County and the other counties in the Centralina region. Mr. Marshall stated <br />there is a resolution that supports the RCEDS and the designation of a <br />Centralina Economic Development District Commission. He pointed out there <br />would be some cost associated with implementing the activities recommended in <br />the RCEDS study. <br /> <br />The Board viewed a brief introductory video entitled UNo Boundaries" that <br />highlighted the RCEDS project. <br /> <br />Mr. Sharpe gave a powerpoint presentation on the Centralina RCEDS project <br />for the nine-county centralina region, including the counties of Anson, <br />Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Lincoln, Stanly, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union <br />counties, and the City of Charlotte. He stated the purpose of RCEDS was to <br />identify a regional economic strategy which the communities within the region <br />can implement collaboratively to bring about sustainable economic prosperity. <br />Mr. Sharpe presented the findings of a Community Assessment of the region's <br />strengths, challenges and opportunities along with a Recommendations Report <br />that focused on specific recommendations addressing issues, opportunities, <br />key industries and priority projects that will provide the most significant <br />impact for growth and development of the region's economy. He explained the <br />strategy will be presented to the counties in the region and the City of <br />Charlotte. After a majority of these jurisdictions endorse the strategy, COG <br />will form a 501 (c) (3) organization and submit an application for designation <br />as an Economic Development District (EDD) to the Economic Development <br />Administration (EDA). Mr. Sharpe stated the organization would consist of 19 <br />members, including one representative from each of the nine counties, three <br />members from municipalities and seven private citizens. The EDD would be <br />eligible for a $50,000.00 grant from the EDA with a required local match of <br />$50,000.00. There would be no charge this fiscal year but the cost to each <br />county is estimated at four cents per capita or $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 for <br />the next fiscal year. Finally, Mr. Sharpe discussed the relationship between <br />the proposed EDD and the Charlotte Regional Partnership and how the two <br />organizations would complement each other in supporting economic development <br />in the region. <br /> <br />Mr. Day explained that adoption of the proposed Resolution would allow <br />Centralina COG to move forward with the formation of the non-profit <br />organization. He stated the funding request would be made during the FY 2005- <br />06 budget process. <br /> <br />UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Suggs, seconded by Commissioner Privette and <br />unanimously carried, the Board adopted the following resolution in support of <br />the Economic Development Strategy ("No Boundaries") and formation of the <br />Centralina Economic Development Commission. <br /> <br />Resolution No. 2004-42 <br />Resolution of Cabarrus County, North Carolina <br />In support of the Centralina Regional Comprehensive Economic Development <br />Strategy (UNo Boundaries") and the Formation of the Centralina Economic <br />Development Commission <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Centralina Council of Governments initiated a new program for <br />regional economic prosperity and has conducted an economic development study, <br />UNo Boundaries", which was presented on September 29, 2004; <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Cabarrus County is a member of the centralina Council of <br />Governments; <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Cabarrus County recognizes the need to support and promote <br />economic development for its citizens, by local and regional programs; <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Cabarrus County supports and promotes economic development to <br />maintain and improve the regional infrastructure and strengthen capacities <br />needed to sustain economic growth in a positive and competitive environment; <br />and <br />