A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to study and evaluate the economic impact of the Green Industry in north carolina.
Whereas, the Green Industry is defined as well over 5,000 firms statewide involved in the production, design, installation, maintenance and sale of plants (trees, shrubs, flowers), sod and related goods and services to enhance, beautify, and protect human environments, provide jobs and economic growth; and
Whereas, examples of Green Industry professionals include retail garden centers, greenhouse and nursery producers, turfgrass producers, landscape contractors and designers, irrigation contractors, landscape and turf maintenance companies; and
Whereas, the Green Industry has grown significantly in the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in conjunction with North Carolina State University, plans to study and evaluate the significant economic impact of the Green Industry in North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year to evaluate the economic impact of the green industry in the State of North Carolina. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and North Carolina State University shall report their findings of the study to the Chairs of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.