BASE Wins State Award for Stormwater Permit Transfer Bill
The Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE) working on behalf of the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association received statewide recognition at the 2011 STARS Awards Banquet for its stormwater permit transfer legislation adopted during this year’s General Assembly Session. The award was presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) in the Best HBA Government Affairs Initiative category. This is the second time BASE has won the state’s highest award for its legislative efforts. In 2010, it was recognized for its efforts working with the twenty coastal counties and municipalities with the successful passage of H1305 Homeowners Insurance legislation.
In 2010, BASE Governmental Affairs staff encountered numerous cases where its members found themselves in a catch-22 regarding the overall responsibility and management of stormwater systems and the subsequent transfer of the required permits when a development project was completed. BASE consistently advocated for the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) to adopt an automatic permit transfer process for Stormwater Management systems that were in compliance with NCDWQ rules and regulations. With the leadership of Representatives Danny McComas and Frank Iler, BASE working in conjunction with the North Carolina Home Builders Association were successful in getting HB750 passed in both chambers, and it was signed by Governor Perdue into law on June 23, 2011 (S.L. 2011‐256).
“We’re obviously very proud. This second award validates the technical and legal expertise; and market-driven solutions that BASE brings to the table on behalf of our members and our industry as a whole. But without our volunteers’ and staff’s hard work and NCHBA’s support, it wouldn’t have been possible,” said Donna Girardot, chief executive officer.