A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the coastal resources commission to implement a pilot project to study the use of terminal groins for ocean inlet stabilization. 
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  Notwithstanding G.S. 113A‑115.1, the Coastal Resources Commission may permit the construction of a terminal groin in conjunction with a pilot project to study the use of terminal groins to stabilize ocean inlets.  The permit shall include a condition that the terminal groin shall be removed at the permittee's expense if the Coastal Resources Commission finds that the terminal groin is ineffective in stabilizing the inlet or if the Commission finds that the adverse effects of the terminal groin outweigh the benefits.  To obtain a permit under this section, an applicant shall:
(1)	Prepare an environmental impact statement for the project that meets the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act of 1971. The environmental impact statement must include an analysis of alternatives to the proposed terminal groin. The Commission shall not issue a permit unless the environmental impact statement demonstrates that the construction of the terminal groin will have less adverse impact on the environment than any other alternative and demonstrates that the terminal groin will not cause a detrimental effect on adjacent lands or downdrift areas.
(2)	Provide a financially binding commitment in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of removing the terminal groin and restoring the affected beach.
SECTION 1.(b)  The Coastal Resources Commission shall evaluate the effectiveness of the terminal groin in stabilizing the inlet and other benefits or adverse impacts of the terminal groin, if any, over time.  The Coastal Resources Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the Environmental Review Commission on or before 1 January of each year beginning 1 January 2008.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.