02 NCAC 57 .0102. AUTHORIZATION

(a)  The Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is authorized by G.S. 143, Article 75 to develop Compensatory Programs and Qualified Agricultural Programs to provide financial assistance from the Tobacco Trust Fund to eligible recipients.

(b)  As part of its authority to develop guidelines and criteria for eligibility for disbursement of funds, to determine forms of direct and indirect economic assistance to be awarded, and to develop procedures for applying for and reviewing applications for assistance from the Fund, the Commission may periodically set a list of funding priorities which it will follow in awarding grants for qualified agricultural programs and in granting compensatory programs.  The Commission may also request proposals to address specific funding priorities or to encourage specific programs intended to alleviate or avoid unemployment and fiscal distress in the tobacco-related segment of the State's economy, stabilize local tobacco-dependent economies, stabilize and maintain local tax bases, and optimally use natural resources.  The Commission may work cooperatively with other government agencies and agricultural and rural entities to develop Compensatory Programs and Qualified Agricultural Programs.  Actions of the Commission will be based on rules established by the Commission.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143-715; 143-718;

Temporary Adoption Eff. May 15, 2002;

Temporary Adoption Eff. June 29, 2002;

Eff. April 15, 2003.