Outdoor recreation is another big winner in Perdue’s budget. The proposal includes a more than $3 million increase for the state parks’ $42 million budget. By FY 2010-11, the budget will total $46 million. North Carolina’s zoo in Asheboro is also slated for big gains. The zoo’s $18 million budget is slated for a more than $500,000 increase this year and nearly an additional $150, 000 increase next year.
If you can’t make it outdoors to enjoy North Carolina’s natural resources, you could always thumb through a state subsidized wildlife magazine. The governor wants $1.2 million of your tax dollars to go to “Wildlife in North Carolina” magazine. That’s a more than $165,000 increase from last year. The state says the magazine helps educate the public about the state’s natural resources and recreational opportunities. Subscriptions are only $12 a year but you can check out the current issue here:http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg09_ncwildstore/pg9a1.htm#current
A $100,000 increase will help the NC Grape Growers Council to “facilitate development of North Carolina grape and wine industries” through “education, marketing, and research”. Their current budget is $800,000.
A more than $166,000 increase is slated for the state’s historic sites and their already $9 million budget. Tryon Palace, the State Capitol and the NC Maritime museum all also see thousands of dollars in gains.