WHEREAS, South Carolina has a wealth of unique historic and cultural resources throughout the state, including historic battlefields, main streets, residences, buildings and archeological sites that contribute to the Palmetto State's culture and identity; and

WHEREAS, the historic and cultural resources of the Palmetto State are a driving force in the investment of eco and heritage tourism dollars into the state; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to identify South Carolina's historic and cultural resources so they can be preserved and enjoyed by current and future generations and can continue to contribute to the state's economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby establish the Governor's Task Force on Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism (hereinafter referred to as "the Task Force"), which shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

To prepare a background document outlining current programs in the state and identifying their strengths and potential; and

To determine how to facilitate the preservation of our many historic buildings, sites and landscapes through support for private stewardship; and

To determine how to remove impediments to the restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of historic resources in the policies of state and local government, and the business, financial and legal communities; and

To determine how to coordinate the many excellent preservation programs in South Carolina into a supportive, comprehensive approach toward the maximum utilization of the state's resources; and

To determine how to recognize and promote strategies for historic resources to ensure the best return on the state's preservation efforts in terms of our overall economic development strategy; and

To report to the Governor in a timely manner the findings and recommendations of the Task Force.

It is further provided that the Task Force shall have the following members:

The Governor, or his designee, who shall serve as Chair;

The Speaker of the State House, or his designee;

The President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, or his designee;

Chairman of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History;

Executive Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism;

Director, South Carolina Institute of Archeology and Anthropology;

Superintendent, South Carolina Department of Education;

Executive Director, South Carolina Department of Transportation;

Executive Director, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; and

The Secretary of Commerce.

It is further provided that the Governor can appoint seven members, one from each of the following categories:

Preservation professionals including architects, real estate professionals, land use planners;

Local historians;

Community or downtown revitalization interests;

Local government officials;

Local preservation interest organizations;

Statewide preservation interest organization; and

Minority heritage interest organizations.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE
GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF
SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 3RD DAY
OF FEBRUARY, 2000.

JIM HODGES
GOVERNOR

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:21 A.M.