Title
Vote on a request to approve a Letter of Support advocating for federal funding support for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s (RDU) primary runway 5L-23R to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to approve a Letter of Support advocating for federal funding support for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s (RDU) primary runway 5L-23R to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Introduction/Background: Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) is working with the Research Triangle Foundation, Regional Transportation Alliance, and the RDU Airport Authority to advocate for federal support for their airport’s primary runway 5L-23R.
According to a communication from TJCOG, RDU is one of our region’s greatest assets and deserves its fair share of federal aviation funds. TJCOG further states that it is asking the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to join them in a regionwide campaign by sending a letter of support to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting federal funding to replace the runway.
The proposed letter for your consideration of approval is herein provided.
Discussion/Analysis: The proposed letter outlines the critical role RDU plays within our region’s economic development environment and that consistent funding to this critical infrastructure is not only warranted, but necessary - particularly when considering the Airport’s 25-year master plan.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Providing for economic development infrastructure and diversifying the county’s economic base are two tenets of Plan Chatham. Supporting the funding of critical infrastructure like RDU is in keeping with these noted objectives.
Budgetary Impact: No budgetary impact is anticipated with the proposed Board action.
Recommendation: Approve a Letter of Support advocating for federal funding support for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s (RDU) primary runway 5L-23R to the U.S. Department of Transportation.