(a)        Establishment; Purpose. – There is established the Dam Safety Emergency Fund within the Department, as set forth in this section. The Fund shall be used to defray expenses incurred by the Department in developing and implementing an emergency dam safety remedial plan.

(b)        Eligible Expenses. – The Fund may be used for expenses incurred in developing and implementing an emergency dam safety remedial plan that has been approved by the Department, including expenses incurred to contract with any third party for services related to plan development or implementation.

(c)        Conditions for Use. – These funds shall be used upon the Department’s determination that sufficient funds or corrective action cannot be obtained from other sources without incurring a delay that would significantly increase the threat to life or risk of damage to property or the environment.

(d)       Cost Recovery. – Costs of site investigation and the development and implementation of an emergency dam safety remedial plan, including attorney’s fees and other expenses of bringing the cost recovery action, may be recovered from the owners of the dam by appropriate legal action by the Commission. Funds recovered pursuant to this subsection shall be used to reimburse the Dam Safety Emergency Fund.

(e)        Standards for Funded Activities. – Emergency dam safety remedial plan development and implementation activities shall be conducted in accordance with standards set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.29 ?(2021-180, s. 12.10(a).)