NC S444

Authorizes University of North Carolina constituent institutions to plan and construct capital improvement projects totaling over $228 million, funded through gifts, grants, revenue bonds, special obligation bonds, and non-General Fund sources (not tuition or General Fund appropriations).

UNC projects include residence halls, infrastructure improvements, and facility renovations at 10 institutions, with major projects including East Carolina University's $40 million Belk Residence Hall reconstruction and UNC-Charlotte's $49.5 million campus infrastructure development.

Authorizes UNC-Chapel Hill to construct chilled water infrastructure improvements through direct ownership or arrangement with Orange Water and Sewer Authority, and permits Winston-Salem State University to acquire student housing through foundation arrangements.

Grants $27.8 million in non-General Fund capital project authorization for various state departments including Public Safety ($1.7 million), Agriculture ($15.5 million), Cultural Resources, Environment and Natural Resources, and Administration.

Director of the Budget may approve increases or decreases in project costs and funding methods in consultation with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations; special obligation bonds limited to project costs plus 5% for issuance expenses and related costs.