Oklahoma lawmakers weigh $40M for delayed Indian museum

Tuesday, May 21, 2013  

Oklahoma lawmakers are being asked to approve another $40 million for the unfinished American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City.

The museum has benefited from $97 million in state funds, nearly $15.7 million in federal funds and $8 million from other sources. Supporters say another $40 million is needed to finish the project.

“There'll never be another dime asked from here on the construction of the American Indian Cultural Center,” Blake Wade, the executive director of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, said at a House committee hearing on Monday, The Oklahoman reported.

Lawmakers expressed skepticism at House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget voted 13-10 to approve the funding, which would come out of state tax revenues over the next four fiscal years.

Get the Story:
OK Museum maneuvers: Legislative leaders promote funding (Oklahoma Watchdog 5/20)
Oklahoma House panel approves American Indian Cultural Center and Museum funding (The Oklahoman 5/21)
House committee advances Indian museum funding (The Tulsa World 5/21)

Bill transfers Oklahoma Indian museum to another state agency (03/13)
Audit released of American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma (10/18)