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Bill Summary · HB 1040

Summary of HB 1040 (2025 Session) – Pitt-Greenville Airport Authority Changes (North Carolina)

Purpose and Intent

HB 1040 proposes amendments to the statutory framework governing the Pitt County–City of Greenville Airport Authority. The bill updates and revises how the authority is funded, authorized to acquire land and construct improvements, regulate airport safety zoning, and manage airport operations and contracts. The changes are framed as conforming cross-references and procedural updates to the original 1967 act that established and governs the Authority.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Budgeting and Funding (Revenue and Appropriations)

    • The Authority must prepare an annual operating and maintenance budget, including all anticipated revenues.
    • County and City governments are authorized to appropriate and pay one-half of the airport’s operating and maintenance costs, in proportions determined jointly.
    • Funding sources may include:
    • Revenues from airport operations.
    • Proceeds from sale of land used for landing field purposes.
    • Other legally available funds.
    • Importantly, funds derived from ad valorem taxes may not be used unless a majority vote approves such taxes at an election in the respective jurisdiction.

  • Capital Improvements and Land Acquisition (Section 5 updates)

    • The Authority may propose plans for additional land acquisition and for construction, enlargement, or improvement of the airport and its facilities.
    • Land acquisition requires public hearings by the County and City.
    • The County and City may annually appropriate and share the cost of major improvements, with funding from similar sources as above (operational revenues, land sale proceeds, bonds, and other legally available funds).
    • Bond authority is explicitly referenced, with voter approval required for any issuing of bonds (consistent with local government financing laws). Section 6 proceeds may fund costs via notes or bonds, subject to statutory voting approvals.

  • Cross-References and Conforming Language (Sections 2)

    • Revisions update Sections 6, 11, 13, and 16 of the 1967 act to reflect contemporary language and statutory alignment, including:
    • Authority to issue notes/bonds and levy ad valorem taxes with voter approval.
    • Authority to adopt safety zoning rules and enforce them through court action, aligning with federal aviation regulations and the Model Airport Zoning Act.
    • Exclusive jurisdiction and management by the Authority over the airport and associated facilities, including contracting and public credit pledges.

  • Board Membership Status (Section 2(d))

    • Members of the Authority are not considered public officers of the state; ex officio service is allowed for public officers who serve on the Authority.

  • Effective Date

    • The act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Governing Bodies: Pitt County and the City of Greenville (budget decisions, land purchases, bond issuance, and tax authorization).
  • Airport Authority: Governance, budgeting, land acquisition, construction planning, and financing authority.
  • Taxpayers and Voters: Election requirements for tax levies or bond issuance, ensuring voter input on major financing.
  • Airport Operations: Potentially larger scope for land and facility improvements, enhanced safety zoning, and compliance with federal/state aviation regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill requires public hearings for land acquisitions and major expansions.
  • Any bond issuance or ad valorem tax authority is contingent on majority voter approval in the respective County and City.
  • The measure references conforming cross-references, indicating alignment with existing statutory frameworks and long-standing authority provisions.

Effective date: upon becoming law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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