Archive for the 'Government Issues' Category
For several years now North Carolina’s annual rainfall has been in deficit. Aided by above normal temperatures, the lack of rain led to low reservoirs and a depletion of ground water. Many times during the worst of the 2008 season we watched hopefully as storms approached the Carolinas, only to see them diverted to the north or south again and again by the invisible forces that direct them. During that time municipalities such as Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Durham and Chapel Hill enforced unusually vigorous restrictions on water use. Homeowners and businesses alike faced stiff penalties for exceeding water limits, and the types of water use were closely monitored by officials. However, as temperatures cooled and measurable rain began to fall later in the year, many of the restrictions were lifted.
We are not out of the drought yet, according to the State Climate Office of North Carolina, which reports that the central region of the state is in a “moderate drought” (D1 of D0-D4). Their data shows that while generous rainfall in March brought lake levels up to or near full capacity this year, warm, dry conditions in April slowed a much needed recovery. Read more from the State Climate Office…
But the current outlook for the summer months is somewhat favorable, and, unlike last year, more of our approaching rains are expected to actually arrive. The long range forecast for North Carolina and the Southeast calls for moderate rainfall through July, so the prospect of critical shortages of rainfall and water supplies appears less imminent. Dry conditions this summer may prompt local governments to mandate a schedule of irrigation days for lawns, and weekend-only car washing restrictions, but the forecast does not indicate a return to the extremely low water levels experienced in the most recent three years. Read more about the forecast at LongRangeWeather.com…
The abundance of water in Triangle Area lakes this year is a welcome sight to many in central North Carolina who enjoy recreational boating, fishing and camping. Reservoirs such as Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston, Jordan Lake and Falls Lake saw large drops in 2007 and 2008. Falls Lake, which stretches from Raleigh to the Research Triangle Park, was at one time reduced to a stream in some places, but has now returned to its normal level. Jordan Lake, where the main channel depth decreased from a normal thirty feet or so to nearly twenty five feet in 2008, has risen to full. An electronic survey of fish under the surface in April showed large populations of adult and juvenile fish, and the usual variety of species.
Weekend gardeners, and farmers too, were encouraged by the effect of early spring rain on home gardens and crops. It is mid-May now, and the Triangle is still in bloom with azalea, dogwood and other spring flowers, while vegetables are well on their way to fruit-bearing. Soon corn, peanuts, soy beans and tobacco will be greening up the fields seen along our highways and country roads. It’s a great time of year, and Raleigh-Durham area residents can look forward to summer all the more with a forecast for more moderate weather.
Wake County, North Carolina is looking ahead as growth projections indicate continued high demand for new infrastructure, services, and policies. The county Board of Commissioners has instituted the Growth Issues Task Force to examine growth management strategies to help balance growth and preserve the quality of life in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest and throughout the county.
The task force has announced its calendar of meetings, and the public is invited. Dates and locations can be found at the Wake County Government web site, along with agendas and links to information about the long range plans in place for participating jurisdictions. While one meeting was previously held in April, there are five additional monthly meetings planned through September. The next meeting will be at 2 P.M. on May 21, 2009 in the Wake County Office Building, at 337 S. Salisbury St. in Raleigh.
For more information, visit the Growth Issues Task Force at WakeGov.com.
Citizens in Wake County, North Carolina have a new resource for information about the local economy, as well as a platform for realtime input into the county budget process. On April 20, 2009, the county launched a web site that provides insights into current issues, and publishes documents, schedules, agendas, useful links, and a form for submitting input to the county commissioners. The new site also features video of presentations and interviews.
Wake County is the home of some of the fastest growing cities in the country, including Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs and several smaller towns. Residents will be gratified to have the web site at their disposal to stay connected and informed about the county’s efforts to keep pace with important issues involving schools, hospital and emergency services, law enforcement, real estate development, land use, the public water supply, roads and much more.
For more information, visit the Wake County web site using the link below.
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid.
Click here to learn how you can take advantage of this $8,000 tax credit to buy the home of your dreams.
First-time home buyers who purchased a principal residence on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009 may qualify for a $7,500 tax credit.
