GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2005

SESSION LAW 2005-128

HOUSE BILL 395

AN ACT to designate the division of forest resources as an emergency response agency.

Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is the lead emergency response agency in North Carolina for the suppression of wildland fires; and

Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources plays a critical role in public safety through emergency response, assistance, and recovery; and

Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources plays a key role in training other State and local agencies in the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management System; and

Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources responds with trained and experienced personnel and equipment in support of the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety during all-risk incidents; and

Whereas, the Division of Forest Resources provides emergency response to county emergency operations centers during times of both nondeclared states of emergency and declared disasters; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 166A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 166A-18. Division of Forest Resources designated as emergency response agency.

The Division of Forest Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is designated an emergency response agency of the State of North Carolina for purposes of:

(1) Supporting the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety in responding to all-risk incidents.

(2) Receipt of any applicable State or federal funding.

(3) Training of other State and local agencies in disaster and emergency management.

(4) Any other disaster and emergency response roles for which the Division has special training or qualifications."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 23^rd day of June, 2005.

                                                                    s/ Marc Basnight

                                                                         President Pro Tempore of the Senate

                                                                    s/ James B. Black

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/ Michael F. Easley

                                                                         Governor

Approved 1:18 p.m. this 29^th day of June, 2005