N.C. Gen. Stat. § 146-16

The Department of Administration shall be responsible for discovering, inventorying, surveying, and reclaiming the vacant and unappropriated lands, swamplands, and lands acquired by the State by virtue of being sold for taxes, and shall take all measures necessary to that end. All expenses incurred in the performance of these activities shall be paid from the State Land Fund, unless otherwise provided by the General Assembly.