GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 793

Short Title:  NC High Country Host Funds.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives G. Wilson; and Buchanan.

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Referred to:  Appropriations.

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April 10, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE NORTH CAROLINA HIGH COUNTRY HOST, INC., FOR OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE VISITOR AND WELCOME CENTER IN THE TOWN OF BOONE.
Whereas, the five-county North Carolina High Country is an isolated mountain region that is economically depressed and has little chance of attracting manufacturing jobs because of its rough terrain, lack of interstate highway, and lack of rail and air transportation; and
Whereas, travel and tourism is the region's number one industry and its best hope for future jobs, economic growth, and the preservation of its traditional mountain culture; and
Whereas, The North Carolina High Country Host, Inc., is the recognized travel and promotion organization for the region, uniting more than 250 businesses in five counties and eight chambers of commerce representing another 1,500 businesses; and
Whereas, High Country Host has set an extremely successful example during its existence as the State's first regional tourism promotion organization, helping its three most economically depressed counties improve their tourism economy by an average of 30% per year over the past 15 years; and
Whereas, continued funding in support of travel and tourism in the North Carolina High Country area is essential for its economic growth and development; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to The North Carolina High Country Host, Inc., the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) for the 1995-96 fiscal year and the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) for the 1996-97 fiscal year for operating expenses of the Visitor and Welcome Center on Highway 321 in the Town of Boone.
Sec. 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1995.