A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for the planning and development of the cape fear river freshwater aquarium.
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Watershed is the largest river basin entirely within the State of North Carolina, draining 29 counties or 23% of the State's land area, containing approximately 27% of the State's population; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River is a natural resource of vital economic importance, providing water supply for residential and industrial uses; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River is used for a variety of recreational activities and for commercial and other waterborne transportation; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River and its adjacent riparian area serve as a critical fisheries and wildlife habitat; and
Whereas, there is a need to educate and inform others regarding the significance of the Cape Fear River as a natural resource and the need for and benefits of good stewardship; and
Whereas, there is a need for a freshwater aquarium facility for display of this information regarding the Cape Fear River from its headwater tributaries, the Deep and the Haw Rivers, including Jordan Lake, and down to the Cape Fear River Estuary; and
Whereas, the Fayetteville/Cumberland County area is centrally located within the Cape Fear River Basin and is adjacent to Interstate 95; and
Whereas, there is a well‑established historical connection between the Cape Fear River and adjacent communities in this area; and
Whereas, this comparatively economically depressed area would benefit from the location of this facility there; and
Whereas, there are educational institutions in this area which can make use of this facility for environmental studies programs; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Assembly is a nonprofit, basinwide organization with representation from the upper, the middle, and the lower geographical areas of the Cape Fear River Basin and from a variety of interests including industry, local government, environmental and conservation organizations, academic institutions, civic organizations, and local, State, and federal agencies; and 
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Assembly is currently administering a number of environmental projects regarding the Cape Fear River; and
Whereas, the Cape Fear River Assembly has appointed a Cape Fear River Freshwater Aquarium Task Force and is designated as the receiving agency for funds approved by the General Assembly for the Cape Fear River Freshwater Aquarium project; Now, therefore, 
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Cape Fear River Assembly, Inc., the sum of seventy‑five thousand dollars ($75,000) for the 2003‑2004 fiscal year for the planning and development of an aquarium facility in Fayetteville.
SECTION 2.  The Cape Fear River Assembly, Inc., shall report by October 1, 2003, and quarterly thereafter during the fiscal year to the Environmental Review Commission and the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations on the use of the funds appropriated by this act.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2003.