NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1977 SESSION

CHAPTER 944

HOUSE BILL 20

AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL RESOURCES TO ESTABLISH THE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA HERITAGE CENTER.

Whereas, the cultural heritage of the mountain region of North Carolina has made an immeasurable contribution to all the citizens of the State; and

Whereas, the folk art and crafts of Western North Carolina enjoy a unique position in our national culture; and

Whereas, there is a need to give special public recognition to the region's early inhabitants; and

Whereas, it is desirable to preserve and perpetuate the history and cultural heritage of the 22 counties in the mountain region of North Carolina; and

Whereas, the Western North Carolina Historical Association has obtained a long‑term lease commitment from the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute for the premises known as the Smith McDowell House on Victoria Road in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which Smith McDowell House is a residence of significant historical importance to all of Western North Carolina; and

Whereas, during the 1975 Session of the General Assembly, the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) was appropriated for the purpose of restoring and maintaining the Smith McDowell House; and

Whereas, an additional appropriation is needed to continue the work being done on the Smith McDowell House during the next fiscal year; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

Section 1.  There is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to the Division of Archives and History, Department of Cultural Resources, for the 1977-78 fiscal year the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) provided a like amount is raised by the Western North Carolina Historical Association, Inc., after July 1, 1977, for the purpose of the restoration and maintenance of the Smith McDowell House. Funds appropriated in this act shall be expended only in accordance with G.S. 121-11 and G.S. 143-31.2.

Sec. 2.  This act shall become effective on July 1, 1977.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 1st day of July, 1977.