Authorizes a bond referendum to fund the Land for Tomorrow initiative, which seeks to “acquire, protect and manage critical open spaces, historic properties and recreational areas.” The Senate version also provides bonds for water/sewer infrastructure and school construction projects.

This bill expands the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to include sustainable agricultural programs and renames the FPTF as the “Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.” Authorizes creation of 18-member advisory committee to set program and spending priorities for the trust fund.

Appropriates $250,000/yr for two years to fund the creation and implementation of the NC Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Committee to be established in H 347.

Expands lands eligible for present-use value tax status to those managed for wildlife conservation. House bill states the purpose of present-use value is to promote preservation and other non-production oriented uses, such as wildlife habitat, through a property tax system that is equitable with the productive capacity of undeveloped lands. House bill also clarifies property tax exemption for nonprofit organizations that own property under easement or being managed long-term for conservation purposes.

Recodifies NC Conservation Tax Credit (CTC) in single statute and establishes maximum tax credit to be claimed by a limited partnership pass through entity to be $500,000, the same cap as for standard corporations. Proposed committee substitute offered to make the CTC refundable for lower income landowners.

Restricts the state’s power of eminent domain over land in Rockingham County for Mayo River State Park

Directs part of the state’s motor tax revenue to the Conservative Grant Fund, which promotes compatible land use and conservation easement land acquisitions around military installations

Limits the automatic acquisition of lands by the federal government, requiring consultation with NC lawmakers regarding any purchase over 25 acres

Makes several changes regarding the infrastructure related to water supply, conservation and reuse as well as wastewater treatment. Expands the projects eligible for funding by the Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant Fund, allows DENR to lower interest rates and expand repayment times, enables the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to fund storm water and water supply planning and grants the Rural Economic Development Center the ability to fund to rural water projects. Authorizes increase in the deed stamp tax to funded expanded programs.

Directs the Environmental Management Commission to study water quality in NC’s reservoirs and implement necessary nutrient management programs (sites include Jordan Lake and Falls Lake)

Committee substitute implementing protection of Fontana Lake & the waters draining into it