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Resolution No. 2003- <br /> <br />RESOLUTION <br /> <br />IN SUPPORT OF A STATEWIDE INITIATIVE FOR LEGISLATIVE AND FUNDING SUPPORT <br />FOR ENHANCED AND IMPROVED PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE FOR THE STATE OF <br />NORTH CAROLINA <br /> <br />WHEREAS, passenger rail service is an integral part of a comprehensive transportation system for the state of North <br />Carolina; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, economic development, tourism and job creation will benefit through the enhancement of a passenger rail <br />system that serves the citizens of North Carolina and visitors to our state; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, we applaud the state of North Carolina for development of comprehensive mtercity rail services in urban <br />jurisdictions throughout the state; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, there is a vital need to provide a balanced transportation system both statewide and nationwide as <br />demonstrated m the aftermath of the September I I, 2001 tragedies; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, an increase in state funding for passenger rail service in North Carolina is necessary to support development <br />of intercity rail services that can connect our small urban and rural areas of the state with the urbanized centers of our state; <br />and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, support by local and state elected officials is essential for the future of alternative transportation in North <br />Carolina; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, support and utilization of transportation improvements by business and commercial interests is essential for <br />the successful deployment of alternative transportation modes in North Carolina; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, this resolution is a vehicle to express the unified support of communities and chambers of commerce <br />throughout North Carolina for increased statewide funding for passenger rail service; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, rail linkages between communities and regions within North Carolina establish and strengthen social, <br />historical, commercial and cultural bonds; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the average return on investment for the surrounding community for station revitalizations throughout North <br />Carolina is more than one dollar for every dollar invested; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the associated improvements to rail facilities will increase the efficiency and safety of rail service, help attract <br />new freight traffic and provide environmental benefits by reducing the impact of truck traffic on North Carolina's highways <br />and by reducing harmful emissions; and, <br /> <br />WHEREAS, an integrated passenger rail system will enhance accessibility and reliability for key military locations and <br />ports. <br /> <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, through the adoption of <br />this resolution, fully supports the creation of a comprehensive passenger rail system to serve the state of North Carolina, <br />with its ultimate objective to further economic opportunity, help preserve the environment, improve the quality of life and <br />enhance public health, safety and welfare for all citizens, communities and regions. <br /> <br />Adopted this 17~h day of November, 2003 <br /> <br />ATTEST: <br /> <br />Robert M. Freeman <br />Chairman, Board of Commissioners <br /> <br />Frankie F. Bonds, Clerk to the Board <br /> <br /> <br />