Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) say they will help Santa Fe Indian School secure federal funds to renovate the famed Paolo Soleri Amphitheater.

The school plans to demolish the building because it costs too to maintain and is only used sparingly. Former students and Santa Fe residents have mounted a Facebook campaign to save the amphitheater.

"This historical landmark has been an important venue for a great number of activities that go on in Santa Fe, and in our opinion it would be a significant loss to the community if the amphitheater is not retained," Bingaman and Udall said in a letter to superintendent Everett Chavez and Joe Garcia, the chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council. "To this end, we would like to offer our assistance in preserving the future of the amphitheater should you decide that is the appropriate course."

A spokesperson for the school said it would cost $4.5 million just to modernize the building. The 19 Pueblo tribes own and operate the school, which is located on trust land.

Get the Story:
Senators Offer To Help Save Amphitheater (The Albuquerque Journal 7/16)

Related Stories:
New Mexico panel urges Indian school to save famed venue (6/14)
New Mexico panel will discuss amphitheater at Indian school (6/11)
City wants more communication for Santa Fe Indian School (6/10)
Indian school official confirms razing of famed amphitheater (6/8)
Facebook group for Indian school amphitheater draws fans (6/1)
New Mexico tribes silent on future of school amphitheater (5/26)
Indian school alumni start campaign to save amphitheater (5/25)
Santa Fe Indian School clears campus of most trees (3/26)
Santa Fe Indian School mum on development rumors (12/3)
City worried about Santa Fe Indian School plans (12/2)
Santa Fe Indian School free to ignore federal laws (9/22)
Santa Fe Indian School to raze more old buildings (09/10)
Santa Fe Indian School still mum on demolition (08/11)
Santa Fe Indian School demolishes buildings (7/30)