A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for improvements at the north carolina zoological park.
Whereas, funding is needed for improvements at the North Carolina Zoological Park to 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 and the State; and
Whereas, improvements to the polar bear exhibit will provide increased opportunities to bring in additional bears and support opportunities for breeding and will result in increased attendance and revenue for the Zoo; and
Whereas, original funding to make improvements to the North American exhibits at the North Carolina Zoological Park, which includes the conversion of the pool water to saltwater to meet animal welfare standards, was to be provided through repair and renovation dollars but due to budget restraints was retracted; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Zoological Society has raised the sum of $2,100,000 to match the State funding (through a COPS bond) in the amount of $2,700,000 for a total of $4,800,000; and
Whereas, an additional $1,800,000 is needed to complete the project; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the sum of one million eight hundred thousand dollars ($1,800,000) for the 2009‑2010 fiscal year.  These funds shall be used to complete the North American exhibits, including the polar bear exhibit, by upgrading and expanding the exhibit and holding areas based on recently recommended animal welfare standards.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.