A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to plan future renovation and expansion of the north carolina museum of history.
Whereas, for 100 years, the North Carolina Museum of History has preserved and promoted the rich heritage and culture of the people of this State through exhibits and educational outreach programs; and
Whereas, during the last three years, the Museum has consistently ranked in the top 10 for the number of visitors to the 385 public and private museums and historic sites in the State; and
Whereas, the existing building design and construction does not support the Museum's mission of "Preserving Tomorrow's History Today;" and
Whereas, renovation and expansion of the Museum's building will increase the opportunities for cultural tourism in the vicinity of the State Capitol, the Legislative Building, and the Bicentennial Mall museum complex; and
Whereas, an enhanced permanent chronological exhibit and expanded gallery spaces will allow more of the Museum's collections to be accessible to visitors and schoolchildren who comprise one‑third of the Museum's visitors; and
Whereas, renovation and expansion of the Museum will also provide visitors with better opportunities to learn about the State's history and how that history will influence future generations; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Cultural Resources the sum of two million four hundred thousand dollars ($2,400,000) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year in advance planning funds for renovation and expansion of the North Carolina Museum of History.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.