Draft Orange County stimulus package: What's in it for you?

In anticipation of the federal government’s federal stimulus package, the Orange County commissioners are considering a list of projects at their meeting Thursday night. Staff say these projects would create jobs, stimulate the local economy and create a positive impact regionally.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION: The construction of elementary school No. 11 of the Chapel Hill Carrboro School System. School construction cost is estimated at approximately $34,000,000.

EFLAND SEWER SYSTEM AND BUCKHORN COMMUNITY SEWER PROJECT: The projected cost for the system, include the upgrading the existing 20-year-old McGowan Creek pump station is $4.6 million. All design documents are completed, and the preliminary engineer’s report is completed.

NORTHERN HUMAN SERVICES CENTER: The project will substantially improve the onsite wastewater treatment system. The increase will allow for full development of a park, with ball fields of all types, playgrounds and walking trails. The preliminary design work has been completed. Final design work has to be completed. Orange County has appropriated two-thirds of the projected $480,000 costs. The remaining cost is $160,000.

VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE PROCESSING CENTER: Farmers and local food entrepreneurs in the Piedmont will have access to a new processing center to help compete in the emerging Buy Local, Eat Seasonal, and Farm to Fork Economy. The center will be within 1.5 hour drive of 16, 214 farms in a 22 county area. The cost for renovation is $1.2 million. Orange County has received $861,000 in grant funding with a remaining need of $339,000.

FAIRVIEW PARK: The park in northern Hillsborough serves a predominantly minority community and features a ball field, picnic shelter, trails and basketball courts. The projected cost is $1,700,000. Orange County has appropriated $850,000 through voter approved bonds. The project’s remaining cost is $850,000.

TWIN CREEKS PARK: Twin Creeks Park is a 96-acre park north of Carrboro. The site of a former dairy farm that dates back to the early 19th century, the park includes a historic farmstead with house, barn and other farm buildings. Phase 1 of the park would include four full size soccer fields, parking, a picnic shelter, trails and associated amenities. The cost is $4 million.

TWIN CREEKS EAST-WEST CONNECTOR ROAD: Providing access to Twin Creeks Park and adjoining property, this road would extend from Old N.C. 86 north of Carrboro, west to the intersection with Lake Hogan Farm Road. The cost is $890,000.

BROADBAND: Broadband coverage is limited in rural areas of Orange County due to a lack of cabled TV/Broadband service and limited telecommunication tower wireless access. The County owns property throughout rural areas and would consider installing towers for public safety, public service delivery and private sector use to promote rural economic development and homebased businesses to reduce transportation and pollution costs. The costs of the project would be approximately $1.2 million and because monopoles are preengineered, their deployment after zoning processing would be expeditious.