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Regional Planning Centralina COG is charged with regional planning and developing and implementing regional policies. As boundary lines on a map become less important in the region, we face issues of air quality, water supply and quality, road/ transportation networks, and economic development for a region of 1.8 million people. It is imperative that we work together on these issues because the action of one local area impacts the rest of the region. Many of these programs are federal or State grant funded. Participation in COG provides the forum to tackle these critical issues. Some of the Regional Planning directly impacting Cabarrus County which we are working on include: CONNECT Regional Planning Initiative -This regional visioning initiative will establish goals and broad direction through the Centralina Board and develop a range of policies and actions that can be undertaken by local governments. This project is funded through the additional 3 cents per capita regional planning dues. The CONNECT vision supports projects very much in keeping with Cabarrus County's and the municipalities' interests in greenway and trail development, open space and working farmland preservation, a good mix of jobs and housing, good air quality, and transportation system improvements. Air Quality Issues -Cabarrus County is considered in non-attainment for EPA air quality standards and will face even tougher standards with the new primary 8-hour standard which was announced on March 12, 2008. The new standard is set at 0.075 parts per mill (PPM) and will place a greater strain on the County to achieve this standard. o COG has assisted the Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City Schools in their efforts to reduce pollution from school buses and by parents reducing idling on school grounds. o Clear the Air for Kids. a program developed by COG, provided the Cabarrus and Kannapolis School Systems with: ^ 126 - "Turn off your engine-kids breathe here" signs -each school in the system received 3 signs ^ Provided packets to all school principals with information on air quality and actions that can be taken to reduce emissions ^ Provided "10 things kids can do to help the environment" bookmarks to all third graders in the systems (2,383) ^ Provided handouts for all elementary parents on the importance of reducing idling while in the carpool lines at school (14,489) ^ Provided 42 copies plus two copies for each elementary school in the system of "The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up" o Cabarrus County School Bus Retrofit and biodiesel equipment purchase -COG also has provided assistance to Cabarrus county School Transportation in applying for a $67,000 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction grants for retrofits to install Diesel Particulate Filters school buses to address the emissions issue. Stormwater Partnership -This new initiative will help our region collaborate and resolve storm water concerns. This program is open to all Counties and municipalities. It is an attempt to bring our c Page 5 of 7 Attachment number 3 F-3 Page 140 of 627