North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 146. State Lands § 146-82. Protection of interest in lands sold for taxes

Whenever any lands in which the State of North Carolina or any State agency has an interest, by way of mortgage or otherwise, are advertised to be sold for any taxes or special assessment, or under any lien, the Department of Administration is authorized, if in its judgment it is necessary to protect the interest of the State, to appear at any sale of such lands and to buy the same as any other person would.  For the purpose of paying therefor, the Director of the Budget is authorized to draw upon the State Land Fund.