NC H2046

Allows the Duplin County tourism authority to construct and maintain visitor centers in State-owned rest areas operated by the Department of Transportation within Duplin County.

Tourism authority is solely responsible for all construction and maintenance costs associated with the visitor centers.

All construction plans must be approved by the Department prior to construction to ensure accessibility, compliance with State and federal environmental laws, and public safety.

Tourism authority must permit law enforcement inspections of the visitor center premises to investigate criminal activity and ensure public safety.

If the tourism authority abandons the visitor center property for more than six months, all property rights transfer to the State of North Carolina, and the tourism authority remains responsible for repair, maintenance, demolition, and debris removal costs.