A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for a heritage tourism development officer for carteret, hyde, dare, and pamlico counties.
Whereas, the maritime communities of Carteret, Hyde, Dare, and Pamlico Counties are rich in culture, history, and natural resources; and
Whereas, the National Park Service identified the communities surrounding Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras National Seashores as important gateway communities serving an integral role in the preservation and conservation of the region's cultural and natural heritage; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Outer Banks Scenic Byway is projected to become the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway in 2005, bringing with it important opportunities for the area; and
Whereas, the revival of the Ocracoke Coast Guard Station as the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching‑East allows teachers to explore coastal culture through firsthand learning experience in the maritime communities; and
Whereas, other projects nearing completion in 2005 include Visitor Centers at ferry landings on Ocracoke and Cedar Islands; openings of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Ocracoke Lighthouse, and new exhibits at Portsmouth Village, Harkers Island Visitor Center, the Cape Lookout Light Keepers' Quarters; and
Whereas, a heritage tourism development officer is needed to lead the development of sustainable heritage tourism products and target marketing that will both increase the visitation to the Down East area and generate additional small business and economic development opportunities for local residents using maritime traditions; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated to the Department of Commerce the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year and the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year for a Heritage Tourism Development Officer position to preserve and promote the maritime traditions, cultural history, and natural resources that connect Carteret, Hyde, Dare, and Pamlico Counties.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.