AN ACT appropriating funds to complete phase two of the capital improvements at the fort fisher state historic site.

Whereas, the Fort Fisher State Historic Site is the most visited of the State's 27 historic sites, attracting more than one million visitors in 2021; and

Whereas, many of Fort Fisher's visitors consist of school groups from New Hanover County; groups from summer camp programs, such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Junior ROTC; residents from nursing homes; military groups; families; and other tourists; and

Whereas, to better accommodate its visitors and upgrade its facilities, Fort Fisher has begun phase one of capital improvements, which consists of a new visitors' center, parking lot, and maintenance facility; and

Whereas, the General Assembly appropriated $22,000,000 to complete phase one of the capital improvements at Fort Fisher; and

Whereas, the Friends of Fort Fisher desires to proceed with phase two of the improvements at the site, which includes the reconstruction of three of the original earthworks (mounds) that housed a telegraph office, a field hospital, living quarters, and storage depots for ammunition; and

Whereas, the reconstructed earthworks would recreate these operations, be accessible to visitors, and provide a unique attraction for the site; and

Whereas, the cost to reconstruct the earthworks is $3,567,204, but if the funding can be provided by September of 2023, phase two can begin in conjunction with phase one, generating a savings of $260,000 for a net cost of $3,307,204 to complete phase two; and

Whereas, the Friends of Fort Fisher plans to raise $1,000,000 for phase two, of which $412,000 will go towards the reconstruction and $588,000 will cover the cost of relocating utility lines, conducting an archaeological study of the old earthworks, and purchasing cannons for the remainder of phase two; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Office of Archives and History, the sum of two million eight hundred ninety‑five thousand two hundred four dollars ($2,895,204) in nonrecurring funds for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year to complete phase two of the capital improvements at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.