02 NCAC 59D .0110         DISTRICT PROGRAM OPERATION

(a)  Each district shall prioritize resource concerns for each program in its annual strategic plan. The district shall target technical and financial assistance to facilitate BMP implementation.

(b)  The district shall give priority to implementing systems of BMPs that provide the most cost-effective conservation practice for addressing priority resource concerns.

(c)  All applicants shall apply to the district in order to receive cost share payments.

(d)  The district shall review each application and determine the feasibility of each application. The district shall review and approve the evaluation and assign priority for cost sharing. All applicants shall be informed of cost share application approval or denial.

(e)  Upon approval of the application by the district, the applicant, district, and the Division shall enter into a cost share agreement. The Cost Share Agreement shall list the practices to be cost shared with State funds. The agreement shall also include the average cost of the recommended practice(s), cost incentive payment of the practice(s), and the expected implementation date of the practice(s). The District shall develop a conservation plan that shall become a part of the Cost Share Agreement.

(f)  Upon completion of practice(s) implementation, the technical representative of the district shall notify the District Board of Supervisors of compliance with design specifications.

(g)  Upon notification by the technical representative, the district shall review the agreement and request for payment. Upon approval, the district shall certify the practices in the agreement and notify the Division to make payment to the applicant. The District Board of Supervisors shall certify that the individual signing the conservation plan and request for payment has Job Approval Authority for the respective practice(s) before signing requests for payment for completed BMPs.

(h)  The district shall be responsible for and approve all BMP inspections as set forth in Rule .0109(c) of this Section to ensure proper maintenance and continuation under the Cost Share Agreement.

(i)  The district shall keep records dealing with the program per its document retention schedule.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 106-840; 106-850; 139‑4; 139‑8;

Eff. January 1, 2020.