NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1979 SESSION

CHAPTER 949

SENATE BILL 490

AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO BE USED AS A GRANT-IN-AID TO THE AURORA FOSSIL MUSEUM.

Whereas, the phosphate mines near the Town of Aurora offer an unparalleled opportunity to study the geologic history of the east coast of the American continents dating back for many millions of years; and

Whereas, the values of this resource are of world-wide significance and have been recognized by the Smithsonian Museum, by university scholars, by the phosphate mining interests, by the United States Geologic Survey, and by other persons interested in geology and paleontology; and

Whereas, interested persons, realizing the great scientific, historical, educational and cultural values of the fossil resources in the area have worked together to create the Aurora Fossil Museum to provide the people of the entire State and of the nation with exhibits, educational program materials, and fossil exploration opportunities; and

Whereas, the Town of Aurora has provided a building, Beaufort County has provided funds for program materials and staff costs, the Washington Chamber of Commerce has funded program expenses, and many other businesses, industries, community groups and individuals have made contributions to the establishment and development of the Aurora Fossil Museum; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Cultural Resources for fiscal year 1979-80, the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), provided this sum is matched with an equal amount of funds which are not State funds, to be used as a grant-in-aid to the Aurora Fossil Museum to pay the costs of internal improvements in the building housing the Aurora Fossil Museum and the design and purchase of audio-visual hardware and equipment.

Sec. 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 1979.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 8th day of June, 1979.