AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE MARITIME HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA, INC., TO COMPLETE A MASTER SITE PLAN FOR A NEW MARITIME MUSEUM IN BEAUFORT.

Whereas, plans have been made to construct a new North Carolina Maritime Museum in the Town of Beaufort; and

Whereas, The Maritime Heritage Foundation has initiated a Master Site Plan for the new museum that would include a survey of the site, including a wetlands survey, an evaluation of the site for regulatory zoning requirements, an analysis of floodplain, as well as historic issues, an environmental assessment study, an economic impact study, and other requirements, in keeping with State and local regulations; and

Whereas, the Master Site Plan for the property will include museum site planning, parking location and design, as well as placement of all buildings and activities. Infrastructure plans, including access roads, landscaping, waterfront access and docks, site design, electrical service, and water and sewer systems, would be developed; and

Whereas, space design for a new museum would identify primary users and appropriate spaces needed for a future building. Programs to identify space requirements would include individual room square footage, primary exhibit and educational spaces, and special requirements for building equipment such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems; and

Whereas, building design for the new museum would include attention to such items as energy conservation, sustainable design and construction, and requirements to withstand severe weather events in a coastal environment; and

Whereas, funding is needed to complete the Master Site Plan for the new museum in Beaufort; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to The Maritime Heritage Foundation of Beaufort, North Carolina, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, the sum of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2021‑2022 fiscal year to begin the advance planning phase focusing on the future construction of a new North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort at Gallants Channel. These funds shall be used for completing a Master Site Plan for the 25.38+ acre site; hiring an architect to design the new museum and all other facilities; hiring a project manager to supervise the planning process; undertaking actions to maintain, protect, and secure boundaries and public access to the site and the waterfront; and undertaking all utilities, site, and infrastructure improvements.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2021.