Last night, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) approved the request by Concord and Kannapolis for an Interbasin Transfer from the Yadkin River Basin.  But offials today acknowledge that the victory is a limited one.

The amount of water approved for transfer will be 10 million gallons per day.  However, that is well short of the total of 36 million gallons per day requested by Concord and Kannapolis.  "We are dissapointed we didn't get the full amount of water we asked for," says Chamber CEO John Cox.  "But, we respect and appreciate the process."

In a letter to all Chamber of Commerce memebrs, Cox is clear that the battle is not over.  "We invite you to continue to be engaged in the pubic policy arena through your membership in the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce as more battles related to the IBT are sure to surface," he says.  And he is right., the decision is already on appeal from the opposition, as expected.

When asked what will the two cities do to make up for the difference in water requested and actually received, Cox had this advice.  "Our city mangers and administrators who oversee growth iniciatives will have to maintain vigilence over the ways we grow.  The UDO may need to become more stringent."

So, as Cox and the two municipalities for the sting of appeals that has already begun, they are taking a moment to enjoy the moment.

"We also want to thank the hundreds of individuals and businesses who responded to the challenge extended by our elected leaders, by the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation to participate in this crucial issue, "Cox also said in his letter.  "Your efforts helped to insure our region’s commitment to the appropriate use of regional resources."

for more information on the IBT and both sides of the issue, please read the feature story in the December, 2006 issue of CB&L.  It can be found in the "Back Issue" pportion of this website.