A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the neuse regional water and sewer authority for the construction of a new regional water SUPPLY treatment plant.
Whereas, the Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority was formed to pursue a regional water supply solution in response to declining groundwater availability in the Cretaceous aquifers; and
Whereas, under the new Central Coastal Plan Capacity Use Area (CCPCUA) rules, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will limit withdrawals from the Cretaceous aquifer system beginning in 2008; and
Whereas, the Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority has plans for a regional water project consisting of a new water treatment plant on the Neuse River and distribution infrastructure to convey finished water from the treatment plant to local water supply systems in the Lenoir County and Pitt County regions; and
Whereas, the regional water supply project will provide a reliable, high quality water supply to meet the needs of existing customers; reduce the region's reliance on groundwater aquifers as a water supply source; allow the member utilities to comply with reductions in the withdrawals of groundwater from aquifers; benefit low‑income and moderate‑income communities by helping to provide sources of employment through the provisions of affordable, stable sources of water that will help attract new industries and help retain existing businesses; and during construction, boost the local economy by creating skilled‑labor construction jobs; and
Whereas, State funding is needed to allow the project to proceed on schedule; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority the sum of thirteen million dollars ($13,000,000) for the 2004‑2005 fiscal year for the construction of a new regional water supply treatment plant.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2004.