N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113A-112
The Secretary is authorized to make grants to local governmental units for the purpose of assisting in the development of local plans and management programs under this Article. The Secretary shall develop and administer generally applicable criteria under which local governments may qualify for such assistance. The Secretary may condition payment of a grant on the completion of the local plan or management program and may pay the grant in installments based on satisfactory completion of specific elements of the plan or program and on approval of the plan or program by the Commission. Of the funds appropriated to the Department to make grants under this section, the Department may carry forward to the next fiscal year funds in the amount necessary to pay grants awarded or extended in any fiscal year.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113A-112