NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1967 SESSION

 

 

CHAPTER 1216

HOUSE BILL 1273

 

 

AN ACT TO CREATE THE FRYING PAN LIGHTSHIP MARINE MUSEUM COMMISSION.

 

WHEREAS, the United States Government has donated to the City of Southport the "Frying Pan" lightship; and

WHEREAS, this lightship is one of the last to be retired from service since they are being replaced by towers; and

WHEREAS, the "Frying Pan" has stood watch over the Frying Pan Shoals off Cape Fear for many years to guide mariners into the safe sea lanes of travel; and

WHEREAS, the State Ports Authority has agreed for the lightship to be moored in a portion of the new Small Boat Harbor facility; and

WHEREAS, the City wishes to turn over the "Frying Pan" and the operation thereof to a Commission for this purpose, with this Commission being in full charge and responsibility; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the "Frying Pan" Lightship Marine Museum Commission is of great maritime importance and is also of interest to many persons over the State because the "Frying Pan" was situated over a well known sports fishing ground: Now, therefore,

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:

 

Section 1.  There is hereby created, effective July 1, 1967, a Commission to be designated as the Frying Pan Lightship Marine Museum Commission. This Commission shall be composed of seven members who shall be residents of this State. Five members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Southport, two for a term of one year, two for terms of two years, and one for a term of three years, and their successors shall each be appointed for terms of three years. Two members shall be appointed by the Governor, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years. Vacancies arising from any cause other than expiration of a term of office shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term by the same appointing authority who appointed the member causing the vacancy. The Commission shall select a chairman from its own membership.

Sec. 2.  The governing body of the City of Southport is hereby authorized, in its discretion, to convey the "Frying Pan" lightship to said Commission upon such terms and conditions as it may deem wise and expedient.

Sec. 3.  If and when the above-described lightship is transferred or conveyed to the Commission, such Commission shall have full power and authority to operate the lightship as a museum to be designated as the Frying Pan Lightship Marine Museum. Said Commission shall have full authority and power to do all acts necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and may accept donations and charge admissions which funds may be expended in promoting the purposes of this Act. Such Commission shall have no authority to incur any indebtedness on the part of the City of Southport or otherwise obligate the City of Southport in any manner not specifically authorized by the governing body of said City.

Sec. 4.  All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.

Sec. 5.  This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 6th day of July, 1967.