Old North State to Disperse $128 Million for Conservation

This week, the General Assembly and the Governor signed into law the state budget for 2007 and 2008, which included $128 million over two years for land and water conservation (it isn't $1 billion over five years, but it does show commitment and it helps meet immediate needs):

$100 million in COPs bonds (Certificates of Participation) to be distributed to the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (to be paid back through those same funds)
$20 million in COPs bonds to Division of Marine Fisheries for beach access projects (to be paid back through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund)

$8 million of appropriations to the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust FundThank your legislators and the Governor for these critical funds

(Un)Worthy News From North Carolina...

(Un)Worthy news from North Carolina...

Ashe County ’s Richard Calhoun had proposed 25 to 28 wind turbines in the Appalachian Mountains , each turbine extending nearly 400 feet from the base to the tip of the blade. The project would have generated 50 megawatts, enough electricity to power 15,000 homes. It also generated fierce opposition from local residents who feared the giant turbines would damage tourism and harm real-estate values. The N.C. Utilities Commission dismissed Calhoun's application last, saying he provided insufficient information, despite being granted a 120-day extension. The commission denied the application nine days after Calhoun submitted a letter explaining that no financial institution was willing to invest in his project until the commission approved it. To find out more, visit http://www.newsobserver.com/print/saturday/business/story/652385.html