The State Board of Natural Resources took the next step in funding for the planned Don Carter State Park in Gainesville during its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday.

The board adopted resolutions requesting the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission to issue $4.96 million in bonds approved in the state budget.

The projects that will be funded with the proceeds of this sale include $1.96 million for design of the Don Carter State Park, which will be the first state park in Hall County and the first on Lake Lanier.

Among those voting for the approval was James A. "Jim" Walters of Gainesville, who is immediate past chairman of the DNR board.

The park is named for Hall County civic leader Don Carter, who served for three decades on the DNR board.

Also included in the package is $3 million for construction of the visitor’s center at the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site and $1.46 million for the design, construction and equipping of a new horse barn and practice ring at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.