The Department of Health and Human Services shall, as authorized by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153-51, approve the plans for the construction or major modification of any local confinement facility. (1868-9, c. 170, s. 5; Code, s. 2335; Rev., s. 3917; 1917, c. 170, s. 1; C.S., s. 5008; 1957, c. 86; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 546, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 138; 1981, c. 275, s. 2; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a).)