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SB 447

Relating to patient assistance programs; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Deb Patterson

The bill creates a Task Force to study and recommend financing and strategies to upgrade North Carolina wastewater systems, plus a one-time $50 million grant to expand and moderniz

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 447

SB 447 — Reliable Water and Sewer Infrastructure Act (North Carolina, 2025)

Status: First Edition (introduced March 25, 2025)

Purpose / Intent

The bill establishes a legislative Task Force to study the State’s wastewater (sewer) infrastructure needs and creates one-time grant funding to expand and upgrade wastewater and water systems in south Granville County. It responds to long‑standing capital shortfalls (the 2017 State Water Infrastructure Authority estimated ~$11 billion unmet wastewater needs statewide) and aims to accelerate projects, identify financing options, and protect public health and the environment.

Key provisions

  1. Sewer Repair Task Force

    • Establishes an 18‑member Sewer Repair Task Force to:
      • Review and assess current wastewater infrastructure statewide;
      • Develop strategies for implementing wastewater treatment projects;
      • Identify barriers to financing and construction and recommend funding mechanisms (including the possibility of contributions from industrial wastewater discharges).
    • Membership (appointments described in statute):
      • 4 members of the NC House (appointed by the Speaker, one minority party);
      • 4 members of the NC Senate (appointed by the President Pro Tempore, one minority party);
      • Director of the Division of Water Infrastructure, DEQ (or designee) — ex officio, nonvoting;
      • Director of the Local Government Commission (or designee) — ex officio, nonvoting;
      • 4 county commissioners — advisory, nonvoting (appointed by legislative leaders);
      • 4 representatives of local government wastewater entities — advisory, nonvoting (appointed by legislative leaders). The statute defines eligible local wastewater entities (e.g., water & sewer authorities, sewerage districts, sanitary districts, joint agencies).
    • Administration and operations:
      • Co‑chairs appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore and House Speaker;
      • Meetings upon cochairs’ call; quorum = majority; may contract for consultants (consultant may not be a State employee or current State contractor);
      • Members receive per diem/travel per G.S. 120‑3.1; Legislative Services Office to provide staff support;
      • Task Force to consult with Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of NC, Utilities Commission, and Golden LEAF Foundation.
    • Deliverable / timeline:
      • Authorized to meet beginning July 1, 2025;
      • Final report (including proposed legislation) due to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources by December 1, 2026;
      • Task Force terminates December 1, 2026 (or upon filing of report).

  2. Appropriation — South Granville Water and Sewer Authority

    • One‑time, nonrecurring General Fund appropriation: $50,000,000 for FY 2025–2026 to the Department of Environmental Quality to grant to the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority, allocated as follows:
      • $20,000,000 — expansion of wastewater facilities serving Creedmoor and Butner;
      • $15,000,000 — upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to meet new federal PFAS standards;
      • $10,000,000 — water meter modernization;
      • $5,000,000 — lead pipe replacement to comply with new federal requirements.
    • Section 2 (the appropriation) effective July 1, 2025; remainder of the act effective upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • South Granville Water and Sewer Authority and customers in Creedmoor and Butner (direct grant recipients);
  • Local wastewater entities, county governments, and ratepayers state‑wide (Task Force recommendations may affect future projects, funding, and regulatory compliance);
  • Industries discharging wastewater (Task Force will consider potential funding contributions);
  • State agencies involved in water infrastructure planning and funding (DEQ, Local Government Commission, utilities regulators).

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Direct fiscal effect: $50 million nonrecurring General Fund appropriation for FY 2025–2026 (explicit in bill).
  • The Task Force may recommend additional financing mechanisms and statutory changes; its report is due by December 1, 2026.
  • The bill centralizes short‑term capital support for a specific regional authority while establishing a statewide planning/recommendation body to inform broader policy and funding decisions.

If you want, I can:
- Extract the exact statutory text to share with stakeholders;
- Draft a one‑page memo summarizing likely impacts on local ratepayers and permitting timelines; or
- Prepare suggested questions for Task Force members to guide hearings.

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

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