A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish a pilot program to test the undercurrent stabilization system at north topsail beach to determine if it is effective to stabilize coastal property in imminent threat of experiencing significant loss due to erosion under ordinary conditions or due to a natural disaster and to direct the coastal resources commission to issue a permit for the construction and installation of this technology for the duration of this study.
Whereas, few men in North Carolina's history have had the unique talents and love for the natural beauty of our State as Hugh Morton; and
Whereas, as a nationally acclaimed photojournalist, Hugh Morton has captured North Carolina from the soul of her mountains to the glory of her beaches; and
Whereas, Hugh Morton has fought for clean air, protection of our vistas, and promotion of environmentally sound beach restoration programs; and
Whereas, a man of vision who saw a mountain as a place to teach people the importance of nature, this bill is dedicated to Hugh Morton, a lifelong environmentalist and proud Tar Heel; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  A pilot program is established to test the undercurrent stabilization system, a technology of stabilizing beach property whereby stabilizing bars are placed parallel to the shoreline and a series of undercurrent stabilizers are extended perpendicular to the stabilizing bars. No later than October 1, 2006, the Town Aldermen of the Town of North Topsail Beach and the County Commissioners of Onslow County jointly shall select a site located in the Town of North Topsail Beach to conduct this test, after consulting with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Resources. The Town of North Topsail Beach shall have the responsibility of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the undercurrent stabilization system. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall oversee the installation by the Town of North Topsail Beach or by a contractor employed by the Town, monitor the test site, evaluate whether the technology results in saving the loss of coastal property in imminent threat of experiencing significant loss due to erosion under ordinary conditions, determine the likelihood that this technology would be successful in preventing a significant loss of coastal property due to a natural disaster that affects the coast of North Carolina, such as a Category Four Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, determine the desirability of the Coastal Resources Commission establishing a general permit for this technology for use at the coast of North Carolina where significant or sudden loss of coastal property is greatest, and report these results to the Environmental Review Commission no later than December 1, 2008. 
SECTION 2.  Notwithstanding G.S. 113A‑115.1(b) and any other applicable laws or rules to the contrary, any applicable permits shall be issued for the construction and installation of the undercurrent stabilization system that is being tested under the pilot program under this act for the duration of the pilot program.
SECTION 3.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Town of North Topsail Beach the sum of twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year for the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the technology being tested under the pilot program under this act.
SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.