NC S1279

Direct the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Division of Soil and Water Conservation to develop a strategic plan identifying agricultural water infrastructure needs not covered in EPA surveys.

Plan shall be developed in conjunction with the Farm Bureau, farmers, and other agricultural leaders and organizations, and updated regularly.

Plan must include a mechanism for reporting data to the General Assembly to help assess legislative and budgetary issues related to agricultural water infrastructure.

Plan may address methods to identify current and future agricultural water use needs, water conservation practices, and water efficiency measures.

Departments must report to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure by November 1, 2010, including proposed methodology, timeline, estimated costs, and any needed legislative changes.