A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the science museums of wilson.
Whereas, humans are curious and want to explore their world; and
Whereas, the Imagination Station Science Museum serves 28 counties in Eastern North Carolina with hands‑on, inquiry‑based science education programs to foster the explorer in our students; and
Whereas, an interest in science, technology, and computer literacy is vital to the next generation of our workforce; and
Whereas, because of Imagination Station Science Museum's efforts, the students of Eastern North Carolina are exposed to unique and thought‑provoking science programs that serve as a foundation for these vital skills; and
Whereas, Imagination Station Science Museum suffered a tragic fire that consumed the entire live animal collection, destroyed numerous exhibits, and negatively impacted the museum financially; and
Whereas, strong community support has raised more than $1.2 million in capital funds to remodel the prior vacant 1927 Federal Post Office building in downtown Wilson and reopened Imagination Station Science Museum to the citizens of Eastern North Carolina; and
Whereas, the museum has a direct economic impact on Wilson County of approximately $1.5 million dollars annually; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Science Museums of Wilson, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year to support the retirement of capital debt incurred as a result of recovery from the catastrophic fire.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.