ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — An institution of North Carolina is celebrating the long-awaited passage of a budget.
On Tuesday, Governor Josh Stein signed a new state budget, the first full budget North Carolina has seen in 2023. Part of this budget allots $6.2 million to the North Carolina Zoo for operating funds, along with non-recurring funds of $1.2 million. Stein had initially proposed $7.1 million in recurring funds for the zoo.
The long wait for a state budget had stalled the zoo’s ability to open the 12.5-acre exhibit, which is complete and most animals are settled in. However, without a budget, they were unable to staff the exhibit and could not open it. With the budget passed, the zoo will be able to hire 54 new positions and work towards opening the new area…