A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to rebuild the fort at the fort dobbs state historic site.
Whereas, the year 2006 marks the 250th anniversary of the construction of Fort Dobbs; and
Whereas, Fort Dobbs was built in 1756 and served as a refuge for colonists and an outpost for the military during the French and Indian War; and
Whereas, as the War came to an end and settlers moved westward, the fort was dismantled; and
Whereas, in 1976, the area where the fort had been located became a State Historic Site; and
Whereas, plans have been made to rebuild the fort to enhance the historic site; and
Whereas, studies indicate that the reconstructed fort and the historic site will attract 100,000 visitors a year and will have an economic impact on Iredell County of $25,000,000; and
Whereas, the 300‑member Fort Dobbs Alliance has received tremendous support to rebuild the fort from the private and public sector as well as local and State leaders; and
Whereas, Fort Dobbs is an excellent resource for heritage tourism providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the frontier life of Europeans, Native Americans, and African‑Americans; and
Whereas, Fort Dobbs is an important Iredell County landmark and holds the distinction of being the only French and Indian War site in North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Fort Dobbs Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year for architecture and design costs in reconstructing the fort at the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.