For the operation of the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation established in
chapter 92B of the General Laws; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall be expended to promote private fundraising, achieve self--sufficiency and serve as a catalyst for urban economic development and job opportunities for local residents; provided further, that the corporation shall take all steps necessary to increase the amount of private funding available for the operation of the zoos; provided further, that funding in this item shall not be transferred through interdepartmental service agreements; provided further, that not later than January 29, 2027, the corporation shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of, and amounts collected from, the private fundraising and enhanced revenue efforts identified in the draft Massachusetts Zoos Business and Operations Plan dated December 1996; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Lupa Zoo in Ludlow to support marketing and outreach efforts that expand access to its conservation and educational programming; provided further, that funds may be expended on a matching program to encourage private and corporate donations to support the Franklin Park Zoo and the Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Natural History Society for its zoological park to support the daily care of animals, community education programming and capital improvements to animal habitats; and provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended to the Forest Park Zoological Society, Inc. to support workforce and economic development, travel, tourism and wildlife conservation
