S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: Section 14.8 of S.L. 2017-57 abolishes the Roanoke Island Commission, provides that the Commission's powers, assets, liabilities and contracts or agreements shall revert to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) and directs DNCR to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Roanoke Island Historical Association (an organization that previously advised DNCR regarding the Lost Colony outdoor drama) for the Association to manage and operate the Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II Historic Site and Visitors Center. The provision also includes the following:

• Revision to the membership of the Roanoke Island Historical Association Board to include appointments by the Governor and the General Assembly, as well as a temporary transition directive that the initial General Assembly appointments to the Association shall be the chair and vice-chair of the Roanoke Island Commission serving at the Commission's abolishment.
• Conforming changes to the statute governing the Historic Roanoke Island Fund to include as allowable uses of the Fund various duties of the Roanoke Island Commission.
• Authorization for DNCR to charge admission and activity fees at the Roanoke Island Festival Park.
• A directive to the DNCR to enter into the Memorandum of Agreement no later than January 15, 2018, and submit a copy of the Memorandum to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources.

This section became effective October 1, 2017.