AN ACT to direct the office of the state auditor to conduct a performance audit of the ferry division of the department of transportation, as recommended by the joint legislative transportation oversight committee.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Office of the State Auditor shall conduct a performance audit of the Ferry Division of the Department of Transportation, which shall include all of the following:

(1)        A financial audit of the Division's operations and maintenance spending and budget practices.

(2)        An evaluation of the Division's operations, capital project, and maintenance activities, and suggestions for long‑term strategies to maximize revenue and reduce costs.

(3)        An evaluation of the current route system and potential route and schedule adjustments to maximize revenue and reduce costs.

(4)        An evaluation of potential options to diversify revenue to support ferry capital project needs and recoup operating costs.

(5)        Other items the State Auditor deems relevant to evaluate.

SECTION 2.  No later than January 15, 2027, the State Auditor shall provide a report of the performance audit required by this act to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division.

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.