"From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is blessed with natural beauty and historic landmarks," said Senator Edwards. "I am glad that we will get the economic resources we need to protect our natural and historic resources."
The interior appropriations bill cleared committee on June 28 and will provide federal funding for National Parks, forests, historic sites and wildlife refuges across the country.
The measure provides $3 million to continue land acquisition along the shores of Lake James in Burke and McDowell Counties. Lakeside land will become part of the Pisgah National Forest.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in Hyde County garnered $3.5 million to begin renovating the historic lodge at Lake Mattamuskeet. The lodge was built in 1915 and was placed on the National Historic Register in 1980. Part of the lodge now serves as a field station for coastal studies at East Carolina University.
At the Outer Banks, $1.17 million will go to complete work on the Cape Hatteras lighthouse relocation. The historic Cape Hatteras lighthouse reopened to the public on May 26, 2000 after a year-and-a-half project to move it inland. Another $287,000 will go to continue restoration of Bodie Island lighthouse. Both Dare County lighthouses are located in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
"I'm pleased to see funds go to preserve North Carolina's historic landmarks and natural beauty," Senator John Edwards said. "These funds will help North Carolinians continue to welcome vacationers to our beautiful state."
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