Amends GS 143B-452(e), which details appointments made to the NC State Ports Authority (Authority), to clarify that all appointments made by the General Assembly have two year terms, except for terms expiring on or after June 30, 2011, after which appointments will have four year terms. Amends GS 143B-453, which sets out the Authority’s purposes, to add that the Authority must foster and stimulate private industry rather than directly compete with private industry. Makes a clarifying change to GS 143B-454. Repeals GS 143B-457, which provides the Authority’s power of eminent domain. Amends GS 143B-465 by deleting subsection (c), which exempts the Authority from specified statutes. Makes a clarifying change. Enacts new GS 143B-468, directing the Authority to publish, on the Authority’s website within 48 hours of submission, all requests for contracts with the Authority and all contracts bid by the Authority, including specified information. Directs the Authority to publish an annual report of all contract activity. Specifies that the publication requirement does not apply to bids received by the Authority. Enacts new GS 143B-468.1, directing the Authority to publish the availability of any property and allow the public to acquire the lease, before leasing any property. Specifies that the lease is subject to a competitive bid process, unless the property is fungible. The provisions above become effective October 1, 2011.
Authorizes the Legislative Research Commission (Commission) to study the cost and feasibility of burying or raising the power lines currently extending across the Cape Fear River in order to allow ocean-going vessels to travel past the point where the lines cross the river. Requires the Commission to consider certain methods to move the lines, and to include a cost comparison. Directs the Authority to pay the costs of the Commission study, if applicable.