A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for improvements at the north carolina zoological park.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the sum of six million dollars ($6,000,000) for the 2008‑2009 fiscal year for improvements at the North Carolina Zoological Park that will increase the Zoo's impact on children's education and teacher development, improve visitor experience, and address higher animal welfare standards, while also bringing an economic return to the Zoo.  These funds shall be used as follows:
(1)	$5,000,000 to construct the North American upgrade, including the expansion of the Polar Bear exhibit and holding areas and the construction of the Children's Nature Zoo.
(2)	$1,000,000 to plan the replacement of the African Pavilion and the surrounding supporting exhibits.
SECTION 1.(b)  These funds shall be matched by the North Carolina Zoological Society on the basis of one dollar ($1.00) of non‑State funds for every one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) of State funds.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2008.