§ 143B-135.236.  North Carolina Conservation Easement Endowment Fund.

(a) The North Carolina Conservation Easement Endowment Fund is established as a special fund in the Office of the State Treasurer. The principal of the Endowment Fund shall consist of a portion of grant funds transferred by the Trustees to the Endowment Fund from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund for stewardship activities related to projects for conservation easements funded from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund. The principal of the Endowment Fund may also consist of any proceeds of any gifts, grants, or contributions to the State that are specifically designated for inclusion in the Endowment Fund and any investment income that is not used in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. The State Treasurer shall hold the Endowment Fund separate and apart from all other moneys, funds, and accounts. The State Treasurer shall invest the assets of the Endowment Fund in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 147-69.2 and G.S. 147-69.3. The State Treasurer shall disburse the endowment investment income only upon the written direction of the Chair of the Board of Trustees. No expenditure or disbursement shall be made from the principal of the Endowment Fund.

(b) The Trustees may authorize the disbursement of the endowment investment income only for activities related to stewardship of conservation easements owned by the State. (2008-107, s. 12.9(a); 2015-241, s. 14.30(k1); 2023-70, s. 9(e).)