NC S638

Establishes the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to be implemented by the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to help farmers increase water use efficiency, implement water conservation practices, and increase water storage and availability for agriculture.

Provides State funding of up to 75% of average practice costs (capped at $75,000 per year) for eligible farmers, or 90% (capped at $100,000 per year) for limited-resource farmers, beginning farmers, those with conservation agreements, or those with conservation easements of 10+ years duration.

Establishes an Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Account within the Division of Soil and Water Conservation to fund technical and financial assistance, with funds remaining available until expended and not reverting to the general fund.

Creates a 16-member Advisory Committee including representatives from state agencies, university extension services, farm organizations, and conservation districts to advise on program development and administration with quarterly meetings to evaluate effectiveness.

Requires the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Board of Agriculture to jointly submit annual reports to the Environmental Review Commission and Fiscal Research Division by March 31 each year beginning in 2013, with program effective date of July 1, 2011.