§ 162A-23. State role and functions relating to local and regional water supply planning. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 162A‑23.  Staterole and functions relating to local and regional water supply planning.

(a)        It should be the role of State government to provide aframework for comprehensive planning of regional water supply systems, and forthe orderly coordination of local actions relating to water supply, so as tomake possible the most efficient use of water resources and to help realizeeconomies of scale in water supply systems. To these ends, it shall be thefunction of State government to:

(1)        Identify major sources of raw water supply for regionalsystems, and raw water interconnections as may be desirable and feasible.

(2)        Identify areas suitable for the development of regionalsystems.

(3)        Establish priorities for regionalization.

(4)        Develop plans for connecting proposed regional systems tomajor sources of supply, and for such finished water interconnections as may bedesirable and feasible.

(5)        Review and approve plans for proposed regional systems, andfor proposed municipal and countywide systems which are compatible with aregional plan.

(6)        Administer a State program of financial assistance to localgovernments and regional planning agencies for the development of comprehensiveplans for regional water systems, or county systems compatible with regional plans.

(7)        Provide technical assistance to local and regional planningagencies, and to consulting engineering firms.

(b)        Responsibility for carrying out the role of State governmentin regional water supply planning shall be assigned to the Department of Environmentand Natural Resources. (1971, c. 892, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1989, c. 727, s. 212; 1997‑443,s. 11A.123.)