A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT appropriating funds for the restoration of the john h. race administration building.
Whereas, the John H. Race Administration Building was erected on the campus of Bennett College in 1925 to serve as a science classroom building and is now used as an administration building; and
Whereas, the John H. Race Administrative Building is an example of the Georgian Revival style of architecture, with three floors and a hipped slate roof; and
Whereas, the John H. Race Administration Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1992; and
Whereas, the John H. Race Administration Building is in need of structural, electrical, and mechanical repairs, including handicap accessibility and safety and building code repairs; and 
Whereas, a comprehensive assessment of the building's existing conditions has been completed; and
Whereas, preliminary reviews have been conducted by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, and the scope of work for the renovation project has been defined and construction documents have been developed; and
Whereas, the projected cost of the restoration of the John H. Race Administration Building is one million dollars ($1,000,000), and Bennett College has received a grant from the National Park Service to fund half of the amount; and
Whereas, historic buildings of architectural significance are part of the State's cultural and historical heritage and should be preserved for the benefit of our citizens; and
Whereas, the Bennett College campus, which is open to the public, has historical significance and distinctive architectural features that may be enjoyed by all North Carolinians; and
Whereas, the appropriation of State funds to match the federal funds already granted will allow for the completion of the John H. Race Administration Building restoration project; and
Whereas, an appropriation of State funds for the Campus Master Plan will provide additional funds needed for the historic Bennett College campus; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Bennett College the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year to match the federal grant received by Bennett College from the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for the restoration of the John H. Race Administration Building, a building on the National Register of Historic Places.
SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Bennett College the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year to provide capital funds for its Campus Master Plan.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.