159G-70. State Water Infrastructure Authority created.

(a) Authority Established. - The State Water Infrastructure Authority is created within the Department of Environmental Quality.

(b) Membership. - The Authority consists of nine members as follows:

(1) The Director of the Division of Water Infrastructure of the Department or the Director's designee who is familiar with the water infrastructure financing, regulatory, and technical assistance programs of the Department.

(2) The Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary's designee who is familiar with the State programs that fund water or other infrastructure improvements for the purpose of promoting economic development.

(3) The Director of the Local Government Commission or the Director's designee who is familiar with the functions of the Commission.

(4) One member who is a professional engineer in the private sector and is familiar with the development of infrastructure necessary for wastewater systems, to be appointed by the Governor to a term that expires on July 1 of even-numbered years.

(5) One member who is knowledgeable about, and has experience related to, direct federal funding programs for wastewater and public water systems, to be appointed by the Governor to a term that expires on July 1 of odd-numbered years.

(6) One member who is knowledgeable about, and has experience related to, urban local government wastewater systems or public water systems, to be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to a term that expires on July 1 of even-numbered years.

(7) One member who is knowledgeable about, and has experience related to, rural local government wastewater systems or public water systems, to be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to a term that expires on July 1 of odd-numbered years.

(8) One member who either (i) is a county commissioner of a rural county or (ii) resides in a rural county and is knowledgeable about, and has experience related to, public health services, to be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to a term that expires on July 1 of even-numbered years.

(9) One member who is familiar with wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater issues and related State funding sources, to be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to a term that expires on July 1 of odd-numbered years.

(c) Terms. - The members appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall serve two-year terms. The other members, who are ex officio members or designees of those members, shall serve until they are no longer in office or are replaced with another designee.

(d) Chair. - The Director of the Division of Water Infrastructure, or the Director's designee, shall serve as Chair of the Authority. The Chair must call the first meeting. The Chair shall serve as a nonvoting member, provided, however, that the Chair shall vote to break a tie.

(e) Meetings. - The Authority shall meet at least four times a year and may meet as often as needed. A majority of the members of the Authority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting of the Authority is required for action to be taken by the Authority.

(f) Vacancies. - A vacancy in the Authority or as Chair of the Authority resulting from the resignation of a member or otherwise is filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. The term of an appointment to fill a vacancy is for the balance of the unexpired term.

(g) Compensation. - Each member of the Authority shall receive no salary as a result of serving on the Authority but shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel expenses in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 120-3.1, 138-5, and 138-6, as applicable.