Bill Summary: S486 - NC Trail Expansion/Economic Corridors

• Creates the North Carolina Trails Management Trust Fund within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with 65% of funds for Mountains-to-Sea Trail development and ancillary facilities, and 35% for connecting local and regional greenways to the trail system.

• Authorizes a surcharge of $0.50 to $1.00 on state park and trail fees to fund the trust, with surcharge amounts set by the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources.

• Restructures the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board from 29 to 15 members and adds the CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina as a non-voting member.

• Exempts trail construction, maintenance, and removal from environmental regulations including riparian buffer restrictions and wastewater stormwater management rules.

• Authorizes property exchange between the State and Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority involving approximately 390 acres around Umstead State Park and Lake Crabtree, with conveyance contingent on Airport Authority board approval.