GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

S	1 

SENATE BILL 490

Short Title:  Cape Fear River Program Funds.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Senator Soles.

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Referred to:  Appropriations

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March 27, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE CAPE FEAR RIVER PROGRAM.
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Watershed is the largest river basin entirely in North Carolina, draining 24 counties, containing 27% of the State's population; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River is an important drinking water supply and is the most industrialized in the State; and
Whereas, current proposed standards affecting point source dischargers, primarily large manufacturing facilities, are based on previous data which are inconclusive and incomplete; and
Whereas, more realistic and logical future effluent limitations for users of the Cape Fear River can best be determined and imposed from uniform, accurate data; and
Whereas, implementing the Cape Fear River Program will help scientists recognize trends and enable government agencies to adjust regulations as appropriate to protect the river; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Program will allow for the placement of sampling stations throughout the Cape Fear River for uniform collection of data; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Program will be conducted under the guidance of the Center for Marine Science Research at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and overseen by an advisory board representing industry, local governments, the environment, the academic community, civic organizations, and local, State, and federal agencies; and
Whereas, project data will be used to form the first comprehensive model of its kind for basin-wide management to protect and enhance the economic development use of the Cape Fear River as a vital natural resource;  Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Lower Cape Fear River Water and Sewer Authority the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for the 1995-96 fiscal year to fund the Cape Fear River Program, a unique partnership including industry, local, State, and federal governments, State regulatory agencies, citizens' groups, and the university community collectively working together to preserve and improve this important natural resource while maintaining the economic vitality and well-being of the region.
Sec. 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1995.