State’s purchase was unnecessary

(jdnews.com) - Grandfather Mountain is one of North Carolina's great landmarks, but how wise is it for the state of North Carolina to spend $12 million to purchase it, especially in these uncertain economic times?

State government departments have been told to cut their budgets by 2 percent, and revenue collections are already about $70 million below projections.

Gov. Mike Easley announced the purchase from the breathtaking mile-high vista the other day. It will become North Carolina's 34th state park. The state will manage the 2,601-acre undeveloped portion of the mountain. An agreement with the heirs of Hugh Morton, who brought the scenic area to a top tourist attraction, provides for a conservation easement for the remaining 604 acres. The Morton family will continue operating the tourist site.