American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma runs out of money

Friday, June 29, 2012  

The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City has run out of money.

Construction of the half-built facility has been halted as a result. Supporters were unable to raise enough money to keep the work going.

"We have exhausted our means to do any construction at all," Blake Wade, the CEO of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, said at a press conference yesterday, The Tulsa World reported.

The facility has received more than $80 million in state, federal and private funds. But it's only half complete and another $80 million is needed to finish it.

"Governor Fallin is disappointed that completion of the American Indian Cultural Center has once again been delayed because the state of Oklahoma has failed to provide adequate funding. She will continue to work with the Legislature to pursue a permanent solution to this issue," the office of Gov. Mary Fallin (R) said in a statement, according to the World.

Lawmakers rejected a $40 million bond package for the museum despite support from Fallin.

Get the Story:
Construction halts on American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma City (The Oklahoman 6/29)
Construction on half-built American Indian Cultural Center and Museum to halt (The Tulsa World 6/29)

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Indian museum in Oklahoma needs $20M for more construction (6/5)
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Oklahoma governor agees to audit of Indian museum funds (4/6)
Editorial: Secure funding to finish Oklahoma Indian museum (3/30)
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Campaign eyes $80M to finish Indian museum in Oklahoma (02/09)