North Carolina suffered through a record-breaking drought in 2007 and the aftermath of that difficult time continues to influence our public policy.
In addition to the immediate response to that crisis, we have made a number of changes that will improve our long-term approach to water planning. One of the decisions made in the House of Representatives was to establish a standing House Committee on Water Resources and Infrastructure so that we can examine water resource issues more closely and develop more expertise in the area. That committee has been busy and closely considered a number of measures.
This week, I want to share some highlights of the legislation we passed this year to improve our water systems and planning.
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Public Water
A new law (S.L. 2010-150, HB 1747) directs large community water systems and local governments that provide public water service to revise their local water supply plans when 80 percent of the water system’s available water supply (based on calendar year average daily demand) has been allocated or when seasonal demand exceeds 90 percent. The plans must address foreseeable future water needs. Local governments must normally develop and submit such plans to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at least once every five years.
Grants and Loans
The state has modified its criteria for which water and sewer projects receive priority when applying for grants and loans. The changes in the law (S.L. 2010-151, HB 1744):
Studies
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been directed to establish a task force to: (1) develop a statewide survey to assess the state’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs; (2) develop a plan for incorporating the information compiled from the United States Environmental Protection Agency surveys into the State Water Supply Plan; and (3) develop a plan for the creation and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database.
The act (S.L. 2010-144, HB 1746) also asks the department and the Local Government Commission to evaluate the costs and benefits of increasing the oversight of public water systems and wastewater. The agencies must report their findings and recommendations to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure no later than November 1.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been asked to: (1) work with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural organizations and farmers to develop a plan to identify and report on agricultural water infrastructure needs; (2) identify and encourage voluntary practices that conserve and protect water resources; and (3) design a cost-share program to assist farmers and agricultural landowners who implement best management practices to conserve and protect water resources related to agricultural use. The law (S.L. 2010-149, HB 1748) also requires that a report on their findings and recommendations be submitted to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure no later than November 1.
Meetings/Events
I plan to attend the following meetings/events:
Please invite me to attend your county, city, community or civic, etc. meetings or events.
As I’ve said many times before, I hope you will continue to let me know how you feel about the issues that are being debated by the North Carolina Legislature and the challenges you and your family are facing each day.
By working together, we can make Northampton, Vance and Warren Counties and all regions of North Carolina a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Please remember that you can use the General Assembly’s website to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information. The site also contains detailed information about the state budget and legislative schedules.