A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT appropriating funds to the e‑nc authority to create jobs through the development of up to four business and technology telecenters to be located in the RURAL areas of the state and requiring the E‑nc authority to report to the general assembly on the technology education and public access needs of citizens and businesses in distressed urban areas of the state.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the E‑NC Authority the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the 2004‑2005 fiscal year to establish up to four Business and Technology Telecenters. 
SECTION 1.(b)  The E‑NC Authority may contract with other State agencies, The University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, and nonprofit organizations to assist with program development and the evaluation of program activities.
SECTION 1.(c)  The E‑NC Authority may use up to five percent (5%) of the funds appropriated by this act to cover its expenses in program development and implementation of activity areas.
SECTION 2.(a)  The E‑NC Authority shall report to the 2005 General Assembly on the following:
(1)	The activities necessary to be undertaken in distressed urban areas of the State to enhance the capability of citizens and businesses residing in these areas to access the high‑speed Internet.
(2)	An implementation plan for the training of citizens and businesses in distressed urban areas.
(3)	The technology and digital literacy training necessary to assist citizens and existing businesses to create new technology-based enterprises in these communities and to use the Internet to enhance the productivity of their businesses.
SECTION 2.(b)  By January 31, 2005, and quarterly thereafter, the E‑NC Authority shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations on program development and the evaluation of program activities.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2004.