2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes Article 4 - State Water Infrastructure Commission.

Article 4.

State Water Infrastructure Commission.

§ 159G‑65.  State Water Infrastructure Commission.

(a)       Purpose. – The State Water Infrastructure Commission is established in the Office of the Governor. The purpose of the Commission is to identify the State's water infrastructure needs, develop a plan to meet those needs, and monitor the implementation of the plan.

(b)       Membership. – The Commission consists of 13 members as follows:

(1)       The Secretary of Commerce or a Department of Commerce employee designated by the Secretary who is familiar with the State programs that fund water or other infrastructure improvements for the purpose of promoting economic development.

(2)       The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources or a Department of Environment and Natural Resources employee designated by the Secretary who is familiar with the water infrastructure financing, regulatory, and technical assistance programs of the Department.

(3)       The President of the Rural Economic Development Center or a Rural Center employee designated by the President who is familiar with the water infrastructure financing programs of the Rural Center.

(4)       The Executive Director of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund or a Trust Fund employee designated by the Executive Director who is familiar with wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater issues.

(5)       The Director of the Local Government Commission or an employee of the State Treasurer's Office designated by the Director who is familiar with the functions of the Commission.

(6)       The Executive Director of the League of Municipalities or a League employee designated by the Executive Director who is familiar with the League's programs.

(7)       The Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners or an Association employee designated by the Executive Director who is familiar with the Association's programs.

(8)       One member appointed by the Chancellor of North Carolina State University.

(9)       An engineer appointed by the American Council of Engineering Companies.

(10)     One member appointed by the Water Resources and Research Institute.

(11)     One member appointed by the Governor who is a representative of a local government wastewater system or public water system.

(12)     One member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(13)     One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(c)       Terms. – The members appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives serve two‑year terms. The other members, who are ex officio members or designees of those members, serve until they are no longer in office or are replaced with another designee. Members may be removed in accordance with G.S. 143B‑13 as if that section applied to this Article.

(d)       Chair. – The Governor appoints the initial chair of the Commission. The chair appointed by the Governor must call the first meeting, at which the members must elect a chair. The Chair serves a term of one year. The Commission must elect a chair annually.

(e)       Meetings. – The Commission must meet at least four times a year and may meet as often as needed. A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting of the Commission is required for action to be taken by the Commission.

(f)        Vacancies. – A vacancy in the Commission or as chair of the Commission resulting from the resignation of a member or otherwise is filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. The term of an appointment to fill a vacancy is for the balance of the unexpired term.

(g)       Compensation. – The Commission members receive no salary or other monetary compensation for serving on the Commission. (2005‑454, s. 3.)

 

§ 159G‑66.  Duties of the Commission.

The Commission has the following duties:

(1)       To assess and make recommendations on the role of the State in the development and funding of wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure in the State.

(2)       To analyze the adequacy of projected funding to meet projected needs over the next five years.

(3)       To propose State priorities for funding.

(4)       To make recommendations on ways to maximize the use of current funding resources, whether federal, State, or local, and to ensure that funds are used in a coordinated manner.

(5)       To review the application of management practices in wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater utilities and determine the best practices.

(6)       To assess the role of public‑private partnerships in the future provision of utility service.

(7)       To assess the application of the river basin approach to utility planning and management.

(8)       To assess the need for a "troubled system" protocol. (2005‑454, s. 3.)

 

§ 159G‑67.  Commission reports.

The Commission must publish an annual report by 1 November of each year on its activity and findings. The Commission must give a copy of the report to the Environmental Review Commission and the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly. The report must include any recommendations of the Commission that require action by the General Assembly to implement. (2005‑454, s. 3.)