A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to rebuild the fort at the fort dobbs state historic site.
Whereas, the year 2006 marks the 250^th anniversary of the construction of Fort Dobbs; and
Whereas, Fort Dobbs was built in 1756 and served as a refuge for colonists and an outpost for the military during the French and Indian War; and
Whereas, as the War came to an end and settlers moved westward, the fort was dismantled; and
Whereas, in 1976, the area where the fort had been located became a State Historic Site; and
Whereas, plans have been made to rebuild the fort to enhance the historic site; and
Whereas, studies indicate that the reconstructed fort and the historic site will attract 100,000 visitors a year and will have an economic impact on Iredell County of $25,000,000; and
Whereas, the 300‑member Fort Dobbs Alliance has received tremendous support to rebuild the fort from the private and public sector as well as local and State leaders; and
Whereas, Fort Dobbs is an excellent resource for heritage tourism providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the frontier life of Europeans, Native Americans, and African‑Americans; and
Whereas, Fort Dobbs is an important Iredell County landmark and holds the distinction of being the only French and Indian War site in North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Fort Dobbs Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year for architecture and design costs in reconstructing the fort at the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.