North Carolina HB 140: Oak Island/Recall Officials.

Bill Text

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H 2
HOUSE BILL 140
Committee Substitute Favorable 4/29/25

Short Title: Authorize Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail. (Public)
Sponsors:
Referred to:
February 18, 2025
*H140-v-2*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GULLAH GEECHEE GREENWAY/BLUEWAY 2
HERITAGE TRAIL IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY. 3
Whereas, the history of the Gullah Geechee culture is an important part of the story 4
and formation of the United States; and 5
Whereas, the Gullah Geechee peoples of coastal Africa were forcibly brought 6
centuries ago to the coastal areas and the sea islands of southeastern North Carolina, South 7
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida because of their experience in rice cultivation, and the rice 8
plantations that formerly lined the western side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County thus 9
became the focal point of Gullah Geechee culture in this State; and 10
Whereas, many reminders of the Gullah Geechee culture remain on the west side of 11
the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, including Reaves Chapel, Moore's Chapel, former 12
rice plantations, and pine tar pits used to repair wooden ships; and 13
Whereas, numerous local governments and regional organizations, including 14
Brunswick County, the Towns of Navassa, Leland, and Belville, the Wilmington Area 15
Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Cape Fear Council of Governments have partnered 16
with many local and regional nonprofit entities to delineate and sponsor sites important to Gullah 17
Geechee culture along or near the west bank of the Cape Fear River; and 18
Whereas, this partnership has led to the creation of the Gullah Geechee 19
Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail, which will include 9 segments utilizing existing 20
rights-of-way stretching 21 miles from northern Brunswick County to the Brunswick Nature 21
Park; and 22
Whereas, the extensive planning envisions a multiuse trail for bicycle and pedestrian 23
use, as well as points of historical interest, such as the restored Reaves Chapel; and 24
Whereas, the Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail can become a part 25
of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, a National Heritage Area established by the 26
U.S. Congress, to recognize the unique culture of the Gullah Geechee people; and 27
Whereas, benefits of the Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail include 28
tourism, economic development, transportation mobility, and the connection of communities, 29
which are important to this traditionally economically disadvantaged area; Now, therefore, 30
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 31
SECTION 1. The General Assembly authorizes the Gullah Geechee 32
Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail (Heritage Trail) in Brunswick County. The State shall 33
support, promote, encourage, and facilitate the establishment of trail segments on State park lands 34
and on lands of other federal, State, local, and private landowners. On segments of the Heritage 35

General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
Page 2 House Bill 140-Second Edition
Trail that cross property controlled by agencies or owners other than the State, the laws, rules, 1
and policies of those agencies or owners shall govern the use of the property. 2
SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law. 3