AG 2009 10 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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vegetables. They will lose a residence that their son, the farm manager lives in that was built by their grandfather and lived in continuously since the 1920's. We, The Agricultural Advisory Board believe strongly that if the proposed route is used, this family farm will be shut down and out of business in a period of 1-3 years because of the safety and liability issues of crossing the new road with farm equipment, and the rearrangement of work space and lose of farmland. We cannot afford to lose farms or families like the Barbee family. These farms, including the Bonds Farm are not just "another farm" they are both full of family history that have been farmed by generations of the same families. They are viable operations that should be commended for continuing to farm in this area of large growth on the western side of Cabarrus County and for all they are doing to deal with this situation. As to the subject of whether there are alternatives, the Board agrees with the proposed Alternative B. The Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District is an advocate for farmland preservation and the preservation of the family farm. Since our adoption by the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners in 2405, we have worked diligently to help farmers and the general community to understand the need for farmland in our county. To date we have over 10,000 acres signed up involuntary agriculture districts and we value every acre of these districts. We ask NC DOT to work closely with all the affected land owners to make sure that all issues are dealt with regarding the continued farming of this very valuable land. The purpose of the Agricultural District is to preserve and save farmland in Cabarrus County. The future of Ag Districts is in dire jeopardy if this condemnation proceeds. We have several century farms in Cabarrus County and for the future of the family farm and our ability to continue to raise livestock and crops in our county; we need to focus on preserving our farms. Our focus on a local as well as a national level has been to look at sustainable agriculture. Citizens are realizing a tremendous health benefit from eating locally grown fruits and vegetables. We also need to be reminded that farmland generates revenue to our county yet asks very little in the way of county services. THEREFORE: As the Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board looks at all of the facts at hand and understanding the impact that this project will have on our county and its Voluntary Agricultural Districts and its future, having heard all of the testimonies, we hereby are in absolute agreement that the NCDOT proposed Alternative B of this project is the only viable option going through any farmland in the Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District. Consequently, it is the only one we will support. 340 G-1 Supplemental Information