2002 - 2005 Accomplishments
 

• Communication between DOC, DOT & DENR improved 
• Accelerated highway construction for DOT approved
• Turnpike Authority Bill enacted
• Enabling legislation for multi-county industrial sites enacted
• General Assembly approved project development financing for improving public infrastructure
• The Strategic Highway Corridors Concept Development Report will be released this month (December 2005)

 
Next Steps

• Define development hubs
• Develop new strategies for development hubs that generate regional economic influence
• Continue the streamlining of environmental permitting
• Implement regional inter-modal transportation systems and DOT Strategic Highway Corridors plan
  

Along with Governor Easley and the General Assembly, the following organizations are partners in the Economic Development Board's Infrastructure, Transportation, and Environment Initiatives:

Boards and Commissions:

• State Infrastructure Council
• The North Carolina Utilities Commission

Public Organizations and Educational Institutions:

• The North Carolina Department of Commerce
• The North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
• The North Carolina Department of Transportation
• The North Carolina Department of Agriculture
• The NC State Ports Authority
  
   

Private and Non-Profit Organizations:

• e-NC (The Rural Internet Access Authority)
• The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
• The North Carolina League of Municipalities 
• BellSouth 
• The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
• North Carolina Railroad Company
  
  

Streamline the environmental permitting process for economic development projects to ensure competitiveness with neighboring states.

Action 6.1.1: Implement statewide the Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s streamlined process to coordinate environmental reviews and permitting for economic development projects.

1. Responsibility: the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Commerce
2. Deadline: January 2006
3. Funding Source: Existing
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: A revised environmental permitting process that enhances North Carolina’s competitive position in economic development without sacrificing environmental stewardship.

2006 Update

The environmental permitting process in North Carolina has undergone a significant expansion. Under the direction of the Customer Service Center, the One-Stop Permit Program and the Express Permit Program are operating in each region designated by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. One Stop Permit Coordinators serve as a single point of contact to help businesses, local governments, citizens and others identify potential environmental requirements and guide applicants through the permitting process. The Express Permit Program offers quicker permit decisions and certification than the standard program and provides consultation to help clients identify necessary environmental requirements. Over 1,500 permits have been issued through the Express Permit Program since the program was piloted in 2004.

Support a system of regionally based inter-modal transportation that promotes economic development throughout North Carolina.

Action 6.2.1: Expand airports in order to promote increased commercial carrier service to enhance economic development in all regions of North Carolina.

1. Responsibility: the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division and the Department of Commerce
2. Deadline: Spring 2007
3. Funding Source: Existing and allocated State and Federal resources
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Expanded air carrier service to regional airports across North Carolina based on the economic development parameters defined by the Department of Commerce and implemented by DOT in its Airport Development Plan Initiative

2006 Update

The Department of Transportation  contracted with North Carolina State University to produce a report which quantified the impact of airports on the state economy. This report was released in the fall of 2006. The results of this report will affect future resource allocation.  

Action 6.2.2. Make improvements to ports in order to expand ocean carrier service to enhance economic development opportunities, including passenger service, and provide North Carolina’s business and industry more cost efficient options for the import and export of their goods.

1. Responsibility: NC Port Authority
2. Deadline: 2008
3. Funding Source: Existing as well as allocated State resources
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: More ocean carriers serving North Carolina ports, particularly with service to European markets

2006 Update

North Carolina’s regional infrastructure has been strengthened by the growth of the state port system. Ongoing construction and redevelopment projects managed by the North Carolina Ports Authority promise to deliver a statewide economic impact of $14.4 billion in jobs, taxes and industry over the span of ten years - beginning in 2006. These projects include the expansion and development of the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City Radio Island. Planning is also underway on the North Carolina International Port - a major international port container terminal.

Support policy initiatives to stimulate multi-county business/industrial parks supported by regional infrastructure with shared tax revenues.

Action 6.3.1: Continue to develop legislative proposals that allow the creation of additional infrastructure financing sources for economic development projects through alternative revenue producing methods.

1. Responsibility: Association of County Commissioners and the League of Municipalities in conjunction with the Department of Commerce
2. Deadline: Ongoing
3. Funding Source: Existing
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Legislative proposals, including self-financing bonds, that will improve North Carolina’s competitiveness with neighboring states

2006 Update

Funding was provided by General Assembly in the 2005 session to assist with early costs of development for the Kerr-Tar Hub, a 501(c)3 economic development center spanning four North Carolina counties. The Kerr-Tar Hub will focus on regional technology and innovation by offering companies the training, networks, and resources to stimulate job growth in skilled industries.

Action 6.3.2: Encourage private investment in advanced telecommunications infrastructure and services through changes in state and local tax policies and regulations.

1. Responsibility: the Department of Commerce, telecommunication utility companies, and the Rural Internet Access Authority (RIAA)
2. Deadline: Ongoing
3. Funding Source: Existing and RIAA
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: A regionally based high-speed telecommunications system and a plan for deployment that maximizes economic development opportunity

2006 Update

In 2006, the General Assembly passed HB 2645 (SB 1964), the Internet Data Center Facilities Sales Tax Exemption. This bill makes large Internet data centers in Tiers 1-3 eligible for a sales tax exemption on purchases of electricity and equipment.

Foster sustainable economic development through maximum utilization of existing by-products and smart growth strategies.

Action 6.4.1: Determine the best approach to recruit and support companies that utilize agriculture and industry-generated by-products in manufacturing

1. Responsibility: the Department of Commerce, DENR and the Department of Agriculture
2. Deadline: Spring 2005
3. Funding Source: Existing
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Determine how agencies will work together to recruit and retain industry seeking to utilize by-products. 

2006 Update

The promotion of sustainable businesses that use industrially generated by-products in manufacturing is another successful effort run jointly by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. Through the Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC), these two departments have actively recruited by-product recycling industries to the state.  Since 2004, RBAC has awarded grant funding totaling $1.06 million to recycling companies operating in North Carolina.  This investment has leveraged an additional $13.3 million in matching funds from private sector recycling companies. As a result of this increased recycling capacity, recycling industries have created additional jobs and played a key role in stimulating regional economies.

North Carolina’s “recycling economy” currently employs more than 14,000 people across the state and is one of the fastest growing job engines in the region. Recycling job growth rose sixty percent (60%) over the span of ten years, from 8,700 to approximately 14,000 jobs by 2004.