Energy efficiency and moving toward a more sustainable, greener economy is a top priority for me and many of my colleagues in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Making an effort to keep our state moving in a green direction is particularly important in this changing economy. By embracing renewable energy resources and adapting to more energy efficient standards, our state and our economy will be at a great advantage now and in the future.
In the face of financial difficulties, federal stimulus funds played a significant role in advancing North Carolina’s green economy. The following information highlights just some of the ways federal stimulus dollars have been spent on energy projects across the state.
If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
_The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant is currently administered through the U.S. Department of Energy by the State Energy Office within the Department of Commerce. The controlling federal legislation for the program is the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. The purpose of the program is to assist cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs. The Recovery Act marks the first time that the program has been funded by the federal government. Under the Recovery Act, $3.2 billion was allocated to the program. North Carolina’s share is $58,050,300. Thirty-three designated cities, counties and the Cherokee Indians are receiving a total of $37.4 million directly, based on a population formula. The remaining $29.9 million is being distributed to non-designated communities, public school systems and community colleges based on a plan developed by the N.C. Energy Office and the state Office of Economic Recovery and Investment and approved by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Here is a list of Federal Recovery Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds distributed directly to designated North Carolina cities, counties and tribes:
Asheville $804,700
Burlington $223,900
Cary $1,166,800
Chapel Hill $554,900
Charlotte $6,780,100
Concord $638,800
Durham $2,173,600
Fayetteville $1,652,900
Gastonia $705,700
Goldsboro $183,600
Greensboro $2,554,900
Greenville $777,600
Hickory $209,300
High Point $998,600
Huntersville $175,100
Jacksonville $781,600
Kannapolis $170,300
Raleigh $3,820,400
Rocky Mount $572,100
Wilmington $1,039,900
Wilson $214,900
Winston-Salem $2,262,000
Buncombe $624,800
Cumberland $590,700
Davidson $631,100
Gaston $525,600
Iredell $645,100
Johnston $636.200
Mecklenburg $649,500
Randolph $578,200
Union $751,800
Wake $3,030,300
Cherokee Indians $253,100
Weatherization Program
_The Weatherization Program is a part of the N.C. Energy Office in the Department of Commerce. The program receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, created by the Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976. Under the program, federal funding flows through the states to Community Action Agencies or other selected local providers, to perform energy efficiency related repairs to residences below a certain poverty threshold. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal program received an additional $5 billion funds, compared to $227 million in 2008. The state received $131,954,536 in Recovery Act funds, compared to approximately $9 million in SFY 2009. For more information on details of North Carolina’s Weatherization Program, a list of local providers and information on eligibility, click on the Weatherization link on the N.C. Energy Office Web site at: www.energync.net.
State Energy Program
_The State Energy Program is currently managed by the State Energy Office in the N.C. Department of Commerce. At the federal level, the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. The program was established by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, and has been altered since by subsequent federal legislation. The purpose of the program is to provide funding to the states to design and carry out energy related programs. Specifically, the program is designed to increase energy efficiency; reduce energy costs; improve energy reliability; promote and develop alternative resources of energy; promote economic growth; and reduce reliance on imported oil. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the program received $3.1 billion dollars nationally, compared to $185 million in FFY 2008. North Carolina received $75,989,000 in Recovery Act funds, compared to $750,000 in FFY 2008.
Smart Grid Investment Grant Program
_North Carolina has received $403,927,899 for the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program. Both Progress Energy and Duke Energy received awards directly from the U.S. Energy Department; however the funding will support projects in their service area (which will include areas outside of NC). For the coverage maps of affected areas in the Smart Grid program, go to: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/smartgrid_maps/SGIGSelections_State.pdf.
Appliance Rebates
_North Carolina's Energy Office will be managing the Energy Star Appliance Replacement Rebate Program. The US Department of Energy allocated $8,848,616 to the state for appliance rebates. The state's plan has been approved by the U.S. Energy Department. There will be 15 percent rebates on the price of Energy Star rated refrigerators, freezers, clothes washing machines and dishwashing machines during a five-day period on Earth Day weekend, April 22 through April 25. Depending on how much money remains after the initial phase of the program, there will be a mail-in rebate program in June that would include the designated appliances as well as some Energy Star water hearing systems, home heating and air conditioning systems as well as tank-less water heaters. More details on the program will be announced in February and March.
Summary
_For more detail on State Programs, go to: http://www.ncleg.net/DocumentSites/committees/SSCER/DECEMBER%202009/State_Energy_Office_Update.pdf
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. January 14, 2010
As our state grows, it has become increasingly important for us improve our transportation system. Crowded roads and long delays detract from our quality of life and decrease our sense of safety. Transportation projects help decrease those delays and right now they also bring much needed jobs to North Carolina.
There are a number of transportation projects already underway that are funded by federal stimulus dollars. These projects will aid our state’s economy and go long way toward the improvement of our bridges and highways. The following information is meant to shed some light on how federal stimulus dollars are being spent on transportation projects across the state.
If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Overview
_To date, the State of North Carolina has received approximately $816 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transportation and transit related projects. In total, the NC Department of Transportation has identified 474 projects across the state that will receive Recovery Act funding.
Highway Infrastructure Program
_The state received more than $735 million in Recovery Act funding for Highway Infrastructure. This funding will support more than 334 contracts totaling more than $948 million that have been awarded for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina since March. According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
_To see a list of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.org/download/recovery/1511_Certification.pdf
_To see a map of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.org/recovery/recoveryprojects/
Transit Projects
_In total, the state received about $103,304,000 million for Transit Capital Assistance which will support 140 transit projects in rural and urban areas across the state:
_As of June 23, 2009, $70,248,738 has been used to fund 70 transportation projects in urban areas across the state. The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Capital Area Planning Organization have supplemented the state’s amount with $5.1 million of their funds. For a complete list of urban transportation projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Urban.pdf
_ As of July 2, 2009, $33,055,500 has been used to fund 63 transportation projects in rural areas across the state. For a complete list of rural transportation projects, please go to:
http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Non_Urban.pdf
Yadkin River Bridge
_NC DOT is applying for a grant from the US DOT to replace the Yadkin River Bridge. The total amount available is $1.5 billion under the Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Transportation System. When awarded, projects will range from $20 - $300 million nationally. No awards have been made.
Southeast High-Speed Rail
_NC DOT has submitted a package of 90 rail projects totaling about $4 billion under the $8 billion (available for the nation) Assistance for High Speed Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service program.
Notes
_ The Perdue Administration’s plan to speed up road construction on Interstate 485 now has the approval of the State Attorney General’s office. In short, the plan is to engage contractors to help with financing and to pay the companies back over 10 years. State Treasurer Janet Cowell questioned the Department of Transportation's legal authority to add to the state's debt. However, the Office of State Attorney General, Roy Cooper, has determined that the Perdue administration's plan to finance Interstate 485 construction around Charlotte appears to be legal under a 2006 law passed by the General Assembly.
_ The Morehead City port was shut down on Tuesday after a forklift operator accidentally punctured containers filled with the highly explosive substance, pentaerythritol tetranitrate. This substance is often used in military explosives and found inside blasting caps, and it is the same explosive used in the Christmas Day airline bombing attempt. The spill prompted officials to issue a voluntary evacuation order that was lifted by late Tuesday. According to officials, none of the highly explosive substance got into the water surrounding the port of Morehead City.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
There are a number of transportation projects already underway that are funded by federal stimulus dollars. These projects will aid our state’s economy and go long way toward the improvement of our bridges and highways. The following information is meant to shed some light on how federal stimulus dollars are being spent on transportation projects across the state.
If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Overview
_To date, the State of North Carolina has received approximately $816 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transportation and transit related projects. In total, the NC Department of Transportation has identified 474 projects across the state that will receive Recovery Act funding.
Highway Infrastructure Program
_The state received more than $735 million in Recovery Act funding for Highway Infrastructure. This funding will support more than 334 contracts totaling more than $948 million that have been awarded for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina since March. According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
_To see a list of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.org/download/recovery/1511_Certification.pdf
_To see a map of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.org/recovery/recoveryprojects/
Transit Projects
_In total, the state received about $103,304,000 million for Transit Capital Assistance which will support 140 transit projects in rural and urban areas across the state:
_As of June 23, 2009, $70,248,738 has been used to fund 70 transportation projects in urban areas across the state. The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Capital Area Planning Organization have supplemented the state’s amount with $5.1 million of their funds. For a complete list of urban transportation projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Urban.pdf
_ As of July 2, 2009, $33,055,500 has been used to fund 63 transportation projects in rural areas across the state. For a complete list of rural transportation projects, please go to:
http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Non_Urban.pdf
Yadkin River Bridge
_NC DOT is applying for a grant from the US DOT to replace the Yadkin River Bridge. The total amount available is $1.5 billion under the Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Transportation System. When awarded, projects will range from $20 - $300 million nationally. No awards have been made.
Southeast High-Speed Rail
_NC DOT has submitted a package of 90 rail projects totaling about $4 billion under the $8 billion (available for the nation) Assistance for High Speed Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service program.
Notes
_ The Perdue Administration’s plan to speed up road construction on Interstate 485 now has the approval of the State Attorney General’s office. In short, the plan is to engage contractors to help with financing and to pay the companies back over 10 years. State Treasurer Janet Cowell questioned the Department of Transportation's legal authority to add to the state's debt. However, the Office of State Attorney General, Roy Cooper, has determined that the Perdue administration's plan to finance Interstate 485 construction around Charlotte appears to be legal under a 2006 law passed by the General Assembly.
_ The Morehead City port was shut down on Tuesday after a forklift operator accidentally punctured containers filled with the highly explosive substance, pentaerythritol tetranitrate. This substance is often used in military explosives and found inside blasting caps, and it is the same explosive used in the Christmas Day airline bombing attempt. The spill prompted officials to issue a voluntary evacuation order that was lifted by late Tuesday. According to officials, none of the highly explosive substance got into the water surrounding the port of Morehead City.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. January 14, 2010
As our state grows, it has become increasingly important for us improve our transportation system. Crowded roads and long delays detract from our quality of life and decrease our sense of safety. Transportation projects help decrease those delays and right now they also bring much needed jobs to North Carolina.
There are a number of transportation projects already underway that are funded by federal stimulus dollars. These projects will aid our state’s economy and go long way toward the improvement of our bridges and highways. The following information is meant to shed some light on how federal stimulus dollars are being spent on transportation projects across the state.
If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Overview
_To date, the State of North Carolina has received approximately $816 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transportation and transit related projects. In total, the NC Department of Transportation has identified 474 projects across the state that will receive Recovery Act funding.
Highway Infrastructure Program
_The state received more than $735 million in Recovery Act funding for Highway Infrastructure. This funding will support more than 334 contracts totaling more than $948 million that have been awarded for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina since March. According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
_To see a list of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.org/download/recovery/1511_Certification.pdf
_To see a map of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.org/recovery/recoveryprojects/
Transit Projects
_In total, the state received about $103,304,000 million for Transit Capital Assistance which will support 140 transit projects in rural and urban areas across the state:
_As of June 23, 2009, $70,248,738 has been used to fund 70 transportation projects in urban areas across the state. The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Capital Area Planning Organization have supplemented the state’s amount with $5.1 million of their funds. For a complete list of urban transportation projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Urban.pdf
_ As of July 2, 2009, $33,055,500 has been used to fund 63 transportation projects in rural areas across the state. For a complete list of rural transportation projects, please go to:
http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Non_Urban.pdf
Yadkin River Bridge
_NC DOT is applying for a grant from the US DOT to replace the Yadkin River Bridge. The total amount available is $1.5 billion under the Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Transportation System. When awarded, projects will range from $20 - $300 million nationally. No awards have been made.
Southeast High-Speed Rail
_NC DOT has submitted a package of 90 rail projects totaling about $4 billion under the $8 billion (available for the nation) Assistance for High Speed Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service program.
Notes
_ The Perdue Administration’s plan to speed up road construction on Interstate 485 now has the approval of the State Attorney General’s office. In short, the plan is to engage contractors to help with financing and to pay the companies back over 10 years. State Treasurer Janet Cowell questioned the Department of Transportation's legal authority to add to the state's debt. However, the Office of State Attorney General, Roy Cooper, has determined that the Perdue administration's plan to finance Interstate 485 construction around Charlotte appears to be legal under a 2006 law passed by the General Assembly.
_ The Morehead City port was shut down on Tuesday after a forklift operator accidentally punctured containers filled with the highly explosive substance, pentaerythritol tetranitrate. This substance is often used in military explosives and found inside blasting caps, and it is the same explosive used in the Christmas Day airline bombing attempt. The spill prompted officials to issue a voluntary evacuation order that was lifted by late Tuesday. According to officials, none of the highly explosive substance got into the water surrounding the port of Morehead City.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
There are a number of transportation projects already underway that are funded by federal stimulus dollars. These projects will aid our state’s economy and go long way toward the improvement of our bridges and highways. The following information is meant to shed some light on how federal stimulus dollars are being spent on transportation projects across the state.
If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Overview
_To date, the State of North Carolina has received approximately $816 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transportation and transit related projects. In total, the NC Department of Transportation has identified 474 projects across the state that will receive Recovery Act funding.
Highway Infrastructure Program
_The state received more than $735 million in Recovery Act funding for Highway Infrastructure. This funding will support more than 334 contracts totaling more than $948 million that have been awarded for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina since March. According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
_To see a list of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.org/download/recovery/1511_Certification.pdf
_To see a map of projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.org/recovery/recoveryprojects/
Transit Projects
_In total, the state received about $103,304,000 million for Transit Capital Assistance which will support 140 transit projects in rural and urban areas across the state:
_As of June 23, 2009, $70,248,738 has been used to fund 70 transportation projects in urban areas across the state. The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Capital Area Planning Organization have supplemented the state’s amount with $5.1 million of their funds. For a complete list of urban transportation projects, please go to: http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Urban.pdf
_ As of July 2, 2009, $33,055,500 has been used to fund 63 transportation projects in rural areas across the state. For a complete list of rural transportation projects, please go to:
http://www.ncdot.gov/_templates/download/external.html?pdf=http%3A//www.ncdot.gov/download/recovery/1511_Certification_Transit_Non_Urban.pdf
Yadkin River Bridge
_NC DOT is applying for a grant from the US DOT to replace the Yadkin River Bridge. The total amount available is $1.5 billion under the Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Transportation System. When awarded, projects will range from $20 - $300 million nationally. No awards have been made.
Southeast High-Speed Rail
_NC DOT has submitted a package of 90 rail projects totaling about $4 billion under the $8 billion (available for the nation) Assistance for High Speed Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service program.
Notes
_ The Perdue Administration’s plan to speed up road construction on Interstate 485 now has the approval of the State Attorney General’s office. In short, the plan is to engage contractors to help with financing and to pay the companies back over 10 years. State Treasurer Janet Cowell questioned the Department of Transportation's legal authority to add to the state's debt. However, the Office of State Attorney General, Roy Cooper, has determined that the Perdue administration's plan to finance Interstate 485 construction around Charlotte appears to be legal under a 2006 law passed by the General Assembly.
_ The Morehead City port was shut down on Tuesday after a forklift operator accidentally punctured containers filled with the highly explosive substance, pentaerythritol tetranitrate. This substance is often used in military explosives and found inside blasting caps, and it is the same explosive used in the Christmas Day airline bombing attempt. The spill prompted officials to issue a voluntary evacuation order that was lifted by late Tuesday. According to officials, none of the highly explosive substance got into the water surrounding the port of Morehead City.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Economic Recovery Road Project Awarded to Rep. Love’s District
Nearly $27 million comes to improve Sanford Bypass
RALEIGH, NC _ Rep. Jimmy Love is pleased to announce that Lee County will receive a $26.7 million transportation project aid in the state’s economic recovery.
The money will be used for constructing a 2.3 mile section of the Sanford Bypass from east of N.C. 42 to N.C. 87 near Harvey Faulk Road (State Road 1138). The new road will be four lanes with a divided median. It will include an interchange with U.S. 421 and a new traffic signal at the Horner Boulevard/Wilson Road (S.R. 1136) intersection. The $26.7 million contract was awarded to D.H Griffin Infrastructure, LLC of Greensboro. The project can begin as early as Feb. 1, 2010, and is scheduled to finish by Nov. 15, 2012.
"These investments in our transportation system create jobs and improve our roads. It's money well-spent during these difficult times," Rep. Love said.
The project was among 34 transportation projects announced on Monday. The total cost value of the projects is more than $107 million.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
Rep. Love is an attorney living in Lee County and is serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives. He is Chair of both the Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety and the Education Subcommittee on Community Colleges.
RALEIGH, NC _ Rep. Jimmy Love is pleased to announce that Lee County will receive a $26.7 million transportation project aid in the state’s economic recovery.
The money will be used for constructing a 2.3 mile section of the Sanford Bypass from east of N.C. 42 to N.C. 87 near Harvey Faulk Road (State Road 1138). The new road will be four lanes with a divided median. It will include an interchange with U.S. 421 and a new traffic signal at the Horner Boulevard/Wilson Road (S.R. 1136) intersection. The $26.7 million contract was awarded to D.H Griffin Infrastructure, LLC of Greensboro. The project can begin as early as Feb. 1, 2010, and is scheduled to finish by Nov. 15, 2012.
"These investments in our transportation system create jobs and improve our roads. It's money well-spent during these difficult times," Rep. Love said.
The project was among 34 transportation projects announced on Monday. The total cost value of the projects is more than $107 million.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
Rep. Love is an attorney living in Lee County and is serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives. He is Chair of both the Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety and the Education Subcommittee on Community Colleges.
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. January 7, 2010
Animals play an undeniable part in all of our lives. Whether they are pets, farm animals or service animals, we interact with them in a meaningful way every day. This year the General Assembly considered a number of important measures concerning how we treat the animals around us. Some of these laws are intended to protect public health or our food supply while others are meant to provide greater protection for the animals. All of them are critically important to making the state a better, safer place. I have provided some information about many of these laws in this week’s newsletter. I hope it is of interest to you.
In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns that I can help you resolve, I hope that you will contact me. I’m pleased to do what I can to help any of you. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Public Safety
_The state veterinarian can now implement emergency measures when there is imminent threat from a contagious animal disease that could spread rapidly and have serious consequences. (HB 1083 – S.L. 2009-103). Authorized measures include restrictions on the transportation of potentially infected animals, agricultural products, and other commodities into and out of potentially infected areas, restrictions on access to such areas, quarantines, emergency disinfectant, destruction of infected animals, and other control measures at portals of entry to the State. The state veterinarian was temporarily granted this authority in 2003, but the legislation was set to expire this year.
_The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study the development of a coyote nuisance removal program aimed at diminishing the threat presented by coyotes in the state [S.L. 2009-574, Sec. 2.57 (HB 945, Sec. 2.57)].
_Wild boar hunting season and the harvesting of feral swine are standardized under a new state law that also directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to study issues related to the importation of feral swine in North Carolina (HB 1118 – S.L. 2009-89). The department is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly in the coming legislative session.
Domesticated Animals
_ State law has been updated to make the inspection fees for ostriches, emu and rhea the same as for other meat inspections, removes domesticated rabbits from regulation under the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and makes changes to the exemption provisions for poultry processors in intrastate commerce (HB 1104 – S.L. 2009-102). Previously, a poultry producer could slaughter up to 1,000 chickens and up to 250 turkeys without an inspection, as long as the producer raised the poultry and didn’t sell it out of state. Under the new guidelines, a poultry producer who slaughters up to 20,000 chickens or 5,000 turkeys of his own raising and that are not sold out of state is subject only to basic sanitation requirements and periodic inspections. An inspector does not have to be on-site at the time of slaughter.
_The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study and evaluate the recommendations contained in the report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations resulting from the Equine Industry Study conducted by the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc [S.L. 2009-574, Sec. 2.55 (HB 945, Sec. 2.55)].
_The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study ways to improve poultry worker health and safety [S.L. 2009-574, Sec. 2.61 (HB 945, Sec. 2.61)].
Pets/Service Animals
_A new state law assists owners in recovering lost pets, relieves overcrowding at animal shelters, and facilitates adoptions of animals from shelters (SB 467 – S.L. 2009-304). Among other things, the law establishes procedures for animal control officers to scan animals for owner information on microchips; requires that euthanasia be conducted according to rules approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, if such rules exist; and requires that, before animals are sold or put to death, they be made available for adoption under procedures that allow the public to inspect them, unless they are found to be unadoptable due to injury, health defects or temperament.
_Search and rescue animals are provided the same protections as those provided to law enforcement agency animals and animals that assist the disabled under a new state law (HB 1098 – S.L. 2009-460). Under the legislation, any person who knows or has reason to know that an animal is a search and rescue animal and who willfully kills that animal will be guilty of a Class H felony.
_Large constricting snakes and crocodiles have now been added to the list of reptiles of a venomous or poisonous nature that are already regulated under current law (SB 307 – S.L. 2009-344). State law now regulates the handling, ownership and sale of large constricting snakes and crocodiles, in addition to the hazardous reptiles that are already regulated under existing law.
Notes
_North Carolina tax officials stepped up their efforts and collected $427 million in back taxes from scores of businesses in the past six months. The Department of Revenue targeted 400 corporations with large outstanding tax bills and negotiated settlements with 236. The department had set a goal of collecting $150 million in back taxes. The additional money is expected to help cover any anticipated budget shortfall this year.
_Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry mobile devices, has confirmed that the company plans to open a research-and-development facility in the Raleigh area. It is presently unknown how many jobs the arrival of RIM will bring to North Carolina.
_ Power equipment manufacturer Husqvarna has announced that it will add 160 jobs and a $2.75 million expansion in Charlotte. Husqvarna is moving its North American headquarters from Augusta, Ga., to Charlotte. The overall average annual wage for the 160 new jobs will be $79,453, not including benefits.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns that I can help you resolve, I hope that you will contact me. I’m pleased to do what I can to help any of you. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Public Safety
_The state veterinarian can now implement emergency measures when there is imminent threat from a contagious animal disease that could spread rapidly and have serious consequences. (HB 1083 – S.L. 2009-103). Authorized measures include restrictions on the transportation of potentially infected animals, agricultural products, and other commodities into and out of potentially infected areas, restrictions on access to such areas, quarantines, emergency disinfectant, destruction of infected animals, and other control measures at portals of entry to the State. The state veterinarian was temporarily granted this authority in 2003, but the legislation was set to expire this year.
_The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study the development of a coyote nuisance removal program aimed at diminishing the threat presented by coyotes in the state [S.L. 2009-574, Sec. 2.57 (HB 945, Sec. 2.57)].
_Wild boar hunting season and the harvesting of feral swine are standardized under a new state law that also directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to study issues related to the importation of feral swine in North Carolina (HB 1118 – S.L. 2009-89). The department is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly in the coming legislative session.
Domesticated Animals
_ State law has been updated to make the inspection fees for ostriches, emu and rhea the same as for other meat inspections, removes domesticated rabbits from regulation under the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and makes changes to the exemption provisions for poultry processors in intrastate commerce (HB 1104 – S.L. 2009-102). Previously, a poultry producer could slaughter up to 1,000 chickens and up to 250 turkeys without an inspection, as long as the producer raised the poultry and didn’t sell it out of state. Under the new guidelines, a poultry producer who slaughters up to 20,000 chickens or 5,000 turkeys of his own raising and that are not sold out of state is subject only to basic sanitation requirements and periodic inspections. An inspector does not have to be on-site at the time of slaughter.
_The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study and evaluate the recommendations contained in the report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations resulting from the Equine Industry Study conducted by the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc [S.L. 2009-574, Sec. 2.55 (HB 945, Sec. 2.55)].
_The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study ways to improve poultry worker health and safety [S.L. 2009-574, Sec. 2.61 (HB 945, Sec. 2.61)].
Pets/Service Animals
_A new state law assists owners in recovering lost pets, relieves overcrowding at animal shelters, and facilitates adoptions of animals from shelters (SB 467 – S.L. 2009-304). Among other things, the law establishes procedures for animal control officers to scan animals for owner information on microchips; requires that euthanasia be conducted according to rules approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, if such rules exist; and requires that, before animals are sold or put to death, they be made available for adoption under procedures that allow the public to inspect them, unless they are found to be unadoptable due to injury, health defects or temperament.
_Search and rescue animals are provided the same protections as those provided to law enforcement agency animals and animals that assist the disabled under a new state law (HB 1098 – S.L. 2009-460). Under the legislation, any person who knows or has reason to know that an animal is a search and rescue animal and who willfully kills that animal will be guilty of a Class H felony.
_Large constricting snakes and crocodiles have now been added to the list of reptiles of a venomous or poisonous nature that are already regulated under current law (SB 307 – S.L. 2009-344). State law now regulates the handling, ownership and sale of large constricting snakes and crocodiles, in addition to the hazardous reptiles that are already regulated under existing law.
Notes
_North Carolina tax officials stepped up their efforts and collected $427 million in back taxes from scores of businesses in the past six months. The Department of Revenue targeted 400 corporations with large outstanding tax bills and negotiated settlements with 236. The department had set a goal of collecting $150 million in back taxes. The additional money is expected to help cover any anticipated budget shortfall this year.
_Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry mobile devices, has confirmed that the company plans to open a research-and-development facility in the Raleigh area. It is presently unknown how many jobs the arrival of RIM will bring to North Carolina.
_ Power equipment manufacturer Husqvarna has announced that it will add 160 jobs and a $2.75 million expansion in Charlotte. Husqvarna is moving its North American headquarters from Augusta, Ga., to Charlotte. The overall average annual wage for the 160 new jobs will be $79,453, not including benefits.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
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