Bill Summaries: H175 (2017-2018 Session)

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  • Summary date: Feb 22 2017 - View summary

    Enacts GS 160A-459.2 to provide that an urban empowerment zone is an area designated within a city's corporate limits that is impacted by unemployment higher than the citywide average, average household income below the citywide average, or rates of personal and property crime above the citywide average. Provides that an urban empowerment zone must be designated by city ordinance and that urban empowerment zones may only be designated by a city with a population of greater than 275,000.

    Enacts GS 143-214.16 to direct the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to prioritize the restoration of creeks, streams, and wetlands within urban empowerment zones by working with State and local environmental organizations and local government environmental agencies to mitigate water and waste issues contributing to the degradation of urban streams within the urban empowerment zone. Directs DEQ to study air pollution issues associated with quarries and manufacturing activities located within an urban empowerment zone and recommend local ordinances or legislation necessary to address any issues. Directs DEQ to annually convene a conference of local and State environmental organizations, elected officials, neighborhood groups, city and county governmental agencies, Chambers of Commerce and other business organizations, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency to develop a comprehensive plan to improve air and water quality within identified urban empowerment zones. Requires DEQ to convene the first conference by December 31, 2017. Sets forth five issues the conference is to focus on. Provides that the annual conference requirement expires December 31, 2023.