RESOLUTION OF CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE GASTON EAST-WEST CONNECTOR (GARDEN PARKWAY)

WHEREAS, the Belmont Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (DBA Montcross Area Chamber) exists to work for the success of its more than 330 business members, serving as their pro-business advocacy voice, promoting education/workforce development and economic development opportunities in the communities of the Montcross Area and throughout all of Gaston County; and

WHEREAS, the Transportation Advisory Council has deemed the Garden Parkway to be the top priority roadway project for the Gaston Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization region; and

WHEREAS, limited crossings of the Catawba River are constraining travel between Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties and there are only four crossings of the river, with none of them located in the southern half of Gaston County; and

WHEREAS, the projected growth in southern Gaston County and western Mecklenburg County will continue to increase demands for accessibility and connectivity between the two counties; and

WHEREAS, the construction of the Garden Parkway will considerably decrease the geographic isolation of Gaston County and allow the county to participate in the overall economic growth of the Charlotte MSA; and

WHEREAS, under state law, the money from funding sources for the Garden Parkway can only be used for one of 10 highway projects and if Gaston County does not get the money for the Garden Parkway, it will go to create jobs in other counties and our citizens will still pay the tax for funds to be used elsewhere in the State; and

WHEREAS, continued viability of business and industry relies on efficient movement of people, goods, and services; and

WHEREAS, the Parkway is expected to generate about 18,000 desperately needed jobs in Gaston County within the next 25 years; and

WHEREAS, congestion and frequent accidents on I-85 inhibit regional travel and diminish the ability of I-85 to function as a Strategic Highway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, our organization is sensitive to the adverse affect (s) this project has on some property owners, our pledge of support is intended for the greater good of all citizens in Gaston County;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce endorses the continued support of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s plans for the Garden Parkway.

Timothy Roberts
Chairman of the Board

Adopted this 17th Day of April, 2012