Today’s NC Political News briefs
State briefs: coastal management, shellfish leasing, tax cases and budget watch items
Several recent state government and legislative items touch on coastal conservation, environmental permitting, fisheries policy, law enforcement recognition, state tax enforcement, workforce training and possible upcoming action on the state budget and constitutional amendments.
DEQ to mark Topsail Nature Preserve transfer
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality says Secretary Reid Wilson will join staff, local officials and conservation partners May 19 to mark the transfer of the Topsail Nature Preserve to state management.
The event is expected to include a brief speaking program and a self-guided tour. The transfer could carry local significance for coastal conservation, public land management and long-term protection of sensitive natural areas.
Coastal permit officer training set for Swansboro
DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management will hold training May 20-21 in Swansboro for local permit officers in the central and southern regions of its 20-county coastal service area.
The training is aimed at officials who handle local coastal permitting. Coastal development rules remain an important issue for local governments, property owners, builders and environmental regulators in eastern North Carolina.
House panel to consider shellfish leasing moratorium extension
The House State and Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1113, “Extend Shellfish Leasing Moratorium,” on May 19.
The bill page lists keywords including aquaculture, coastal resources, DEQ, environment, fisheries and moratoriums. The issue could affect shellfish growers, coastal property owners, fisheries regulators and communities where aquaculture and waterfront uses overlap.
Flags lowered for National Peace Officers Memorial Day
The Department of Administration said Gov. Josh Stein ordered U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday, May 15, in recognition of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The observance honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
NCDOR reports two state tax cases
The N.C. Department of Revenue reported May 12 charges in two separate state tax cases involving a Henderson County businesswoman and a Wake County business owner.
The cases should be treated as allegations unless and until resolved in court. State tax enforcement cases can carry public interest when they involve business tax collections, public revenue and alleged misuse of funds owed to the state.
Community colleges showcase workforce programs to legislators
The N.C. Community College System said more than 40 community colleges participated in Community College Day at Halifax Mall, where they highlighted workforce training programs for state lawmakers.
The event comes as workforce development remains a recurring issue in state budget, education and economic development discussions. Community colleges are often central to training programs tied to business recruitment, apprenticeships, health care, advanced manufacturing and public safety careers.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
