AN ACT to designate the division of forest resources as an emergency response agency.

Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is the lead emergency response agency in North Carolina for the suppression of wildland fires; and
Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources plays a critical role in public safety through emergency response, assistance, and recovery; and
Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources plays a key role in training other State and local agencies in the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management System; and
Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources responds with trained and experienced personnel and equipment in support of the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety during all‑risk incidents; and
Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources provides emergency response to county emergency operations centers during times of both nondeclared states of emergency and declared disasters; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 166A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 166A‑18. Division of Forest Resources designated as emergency response agency.
The Division of Forest Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is designated an emergency response agency of the State of North Carolina for purposes of:
(1)	Supporting the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety in responding to all‑risk incidents.
(2)	Receipt of any applicable State or federal funding.
(3)	Training of other State and local agencies in disaster and emergency management.
(4)	Any other disaster and emergency response roles for which the Division has special training or qualifications."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 23rd day of June, 2005.

	_____________________________________
		 Marc Basnight
	 President Pro Tempore of the Senate

	_____________________________________
		 James B. Black
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	_____________________________________
		 Michael F. Easley
	 Governor

Approved __________.m. this ______________ day of ___________________, 2005