AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Discussion about TPO request for Letter of Commitment for the Co-Gen Rail Transformation Project
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Mary Jane Nirdlinger, Interim Town Manager, Town Manager’s Department
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Staff will share information about the Co-Gen Rail Transformation Project.
body
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
In late 2023, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and UNC-Chapel Hill entered into contracts with Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) to jointly fund the creation of grant applications for economic, land use and transportation planning along the rail spur that supports the University’s Cogeneration facility.
The Town’s participation is an opportunity to include elected officials and staff in a long-term planning process that could support multiple Town goals.
On September 25, 2024, following a presentation by Sen. Greg Meyer <https://chapelhill.granicus.com/player/clip/7336?view_id=7&meta_id=295994&redirect=true>, the Town Council passed a resolution <https://chapelhill.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6865405&GUID=28C22CF9-1395-4B7E-B084-512480751D19&Options=&Search=> authorizing the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Co-Gen Rail Transformation Project that includes Orange County, the Town of Carrboro, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Southern Environmental Law Center.
The MOA asks the Town Manager to provide periodic updates to the Mayor and Council about the status of the MOA, including whether funding and other resources are needed so that Council may evaluate the Town’s continued participation.
The Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (formerly Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization) is leading the process for procuring consultant services to conduct a feasibility study to explore options for converting up to 10.8 miles of the existing J Branch (cogeneration facility) rail line to a multimodal facility and/or multi-use trail.
Triangle West has recommended a project budget of $500,000 and has asked the partners to provide a financial commitment to the project in accordance with the table below; and
Organization Amount
Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization $400,000
North Carolina Railroad Corporation $50,000
UNC at Chapel Hill $20,000
Orange County $10,000
Town of Chapel Hill $10,000
Town of Carrboro 10,000
$500,000
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The TPO has requested that the partner organizations submit a letter of commitment outlining their financial contribution to the feasibility study by the end of February 2025, which can be done by the Town Manager. We anticipate that the funds would not be required until FY26, and that we would discuss how the funds would be identified during this year’s budget discussions with the Council.
ATTACHMENTS
UNC GoGen Rail Corridor Project Scope Summary
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