NC H1785

Appropriates $50,000,000 to the Rural Economic Development Center for the 2010-2011 fiscal year to provide grants for wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment works, and public water system projects for local government units.

Establishes supplemental grant program with maximum award of $500,000 for rural counties or counties meeting economic distress criteria, with grants up to $1,000,000 available for economically distressed areas or those with poverty rates 150% of state average.

Requires local government units to adopt resolutions setting household water and sewer user fees at specified thresholds and to match grants on dollar-for-dollar basis, or 50% match for economically distressed applicants.

Prioritizes projects serving economically distressed areas that document critical water or wastewater needs affecting human health, environment, or economic development.

Limits Rural Center administrative costs to 2% of appropriated funds and requires annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations beginning September 1, 2011.