A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to APPROPRIATE funds to the alleghany county economic development corporation for the construction of a new MUSEUM in the town of sparta.
Whereas, since 2000, Alleghany County has lost 1,900 jobs due to the closing of several small businesses and factories, which has led to the devastation of the Main Street business district in the Town of Sparta; and
Whereas, local leaders in Alleghany County and Sparta are focused on building on the community's strong entrepreneurial tradition; and
Whereas, the community has successfully recruited a world-class collection of contemporary art; and
Whereas, a 5.2 acre site has been acquired in the heart of downtown Sparta to serve as the location for a museum to house an art collection, with additional parking, and amenities for downtown businesses; and
Whereas, the community's $10 million investment represents the largest single investment in the history of downtown Sparta; and
Whereas, the community can leverage $12.00 of non‑State funds for every $1.00 of State funds to build the museum; and
Whereas, this downtown redevelopment program will establish Alleghany County as a cultural destination, attracting 60,000 new visitors and creating $7.5 million in new spending in the region on an annual basis; and
Whereas, this downtown redevelopment program will create 125 new jobs for the area; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Alleghany County Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization, the sum of one million two hundred thousand dollars ($1,200,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year to construct a new museum to house contemporary art in the Town of Sparta.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.