Proposed commission would plan North Carolina infrastructure investments

A proposed commission would develop and submit a statewide infrastructure investment plan. The plan could cover transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, and other critical systems across North Carolina, including maintenance, growth, and resilience needs. The commission would not have to use a fixed formula or set percentages for different kinds of investment. State agencies could not put the plan into effect unless the General Assembly authorizes them to do so. The commission would send an interim plan within 12 months of its first meeting and a final plan by March 31, 2028; it would expire after submitting the plan.

The bill would establish a commission led by the State Treasurer to prepare the plan. The commission would be administratively housed in the Department of State Treasurer, with the State Treasurer serving as its chair. The 10 members would be appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore, House Speaker, Governor, and State Treasurer. The Department of State Treasurer would provide administrative support, and state agencies would cooperate with requests for information supporting the plan. Initial members would be appointed within 60 days after the act takes effect, and the Treasurer would call the first meeting within 30 days after six members are appointed.

The bill would set aside $300,000 for commission administration. The one-time General Fund money would go to the Department of State Treasurer for commission administration. The appropriation would take effect July 1, 2026.