Funding for Regional Planning Services

Seek an increase in state funding for the seventeen regional councils, as lead regional organizations, to assist local governments with more community and economic development activities.  Additional funds will enable regional councils to provide more assistance to Tier 1 counties and other distressed communities. Current funding is $59,950, including $10,000 in Non-Recurring funds appropriated in the 2007 Session.   The objective is to make the $10,000 increase recurring in the2008-09budget, and ultimately increase funding to $100,000 per region, or a total of $1.7 million. 

Funding for Regional Water Resource Management

Seek funding for regional councils to develop and implement multi-jurisdictional water resource management planning in every region.  Interlocal, regional cooperation among local governments, water users, and other stakeholders is recognized as the most effective way to protect water supplies, maintain water quality and address drought and other problems.  Regional infrastructure alliances take time and professional staff, which regional councils are in a position to offer. Regional Councils will seek an appropriation of $1.4 million in the 2008 Session.  Working in partnership with DENR and other agencies to secure funding, regional councils support policies and legislation that foster regional approaches to water infrastructure.   

Funding for Rural Transportation Planning Organizations

Continue support of North Carolina's RPO program by maintaining current levels of funding and enhancing the influence of rural areas in the transportation planning and programming process.    

Aging and Long Term Care Needs for the Older Population    

Seek legislative action to ensure that there is adequate funding for services and planning activities for the 17 Area Agencies on Aging.  This aims to restore funding for professional and administrative services to the 2001 level of $57,900.  In 2007 the General Assembly added $300,000 to Area Aging Agencies funding, raising each region to $45,424. The objective in 2008 is to increase the funding by $212,000 (recurring) to bring it back to the 2001 level.