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20 like and similar positions in other local governments, private companies, and in our labor market area. There was discussion- regarding such issues as the reserve fund for capital improvements, improved bond ratings, future improvements to the jail and funding for recreation purposes. Chairman Fennel proposed the appropriation of more money for soccer fields and less to regional parks. He stated the tournaments held at the planned soccer complex at Stonewall Jackson School would have an economic impact for the County. Highway / Road Improvements Mr. Clifton discussed the need for road improvements in Cabarrus County and the potential for County funding to assist with those improvements. During the process to obtain ~driveway permits ~for the Cox Mill Elementary School, the North Carolina Department of Transportation had advised of the need for improvements to the intersection at Christenbury Road and Derita Road. The estimated cost for these improvements was $300,000.00. Planning staff members have been working with property owners in that area to find a more efficient way to deal with the issue. Mr. Alex Rankin with Concord Engineering and representing Mr. Ken Christenbury, property owner who was present for the meeting, proposed the realignment of Christenbury Road, the realignment of Cox Mill Road and the extension of Concord Mills Boulevard to address traffic problems in the area. He stated that Mr. Christenbury has agreed to donate the right of way for this project that will improve traffic safety for the school as well as provide direct access to the Highland Creek subdivision. The estimated cost for the roadway construction, including professional services, was ' $1,051,060.00 ($258,200.00 for the Cox Mill Road portion and $792,860.00 for the Concord Mills Boulevard extension). Mr. Rankin proposed that the County proceed with the Concord Mills Boulevard extension to Christenbury Road and said the State might be able to do the Cox Mill Road realignment with its own employees. Mr. Clifton outlined a proposed City, County and private partnership to fund the Concord Mills Boulevard extension with the County, City of Concord and Highland Creek Developers each providing $250,000.00 and the Christenbury family donating the right of way and contributing approximately $50,000.00 to the project. He stated the work would address road issues and also create an economic development opportunity in the area. Mr. Clifton asked for authorization from the Board to pursue the agreements with the various parties to move forward with the road improvement project. ~PON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Chairman Fennel and unanimously carried, the Board authorized staff to proceed with the proposed Concord Mills Boulevard extension, including $250,000.00 in County funding, as outlined by the County Manager and Mr. Alex Rankin. Education Funding - Non-Public Schools Mr. Hartsell presented an overview of various legal issues and challenges that may arise to the creation and implementation of a "School- Choice" or voucher program, designed to grant public dollars to parents of Cabarrus County school-age children for use in private schools, including religious schools. He introduced his associate, Attorney Kim Lyda, who had done much of the legal research concerning the issue. Mr. Hartsell reViewed the issues relating to public purpose, constitutional considerations involving the separation of church and state, the need for statutory authority and the legal feasibility of developing a School-Choice program to provide an incentive for economic development. He stated the proposed program would in all likelihood meet the 'issue of public purpose; however, there would be a series of criteria to look at to determine if a specific program would meet constitutional requirements. Mr. Hartsell advised that the County does not have statutory authority at this.time to implement such a program unless the school board agrees to do so. Finally, he advised there might be authority to initiate such a program through the economic development statute. However, he stated the program would still have to meet constitutional criteria relating to the separation of church and state. Mr. Clifton pointed out' that whatever the Board decides to pursue regarding the proposed school program will probably result in litigation and court challenges to the validity of the program. There was discussion about the following issues: court cases involving school funding issues; the North Carolina Legislative tuition grant of