My 2 Cents: Finish The Native American Cultural Center and Museum

I can't drive south of downtown without shaking my head at the partially finished, partially boarded up Native American Cultural Center and Museum.

Wednesday, February 27th 2013, 10:19 pm

By: News 9


I can't drive south of downtown without shaking my head at the partially finished, partially boarded up Native American Cultural Center and Museum.

And I know, from your e-mails after my report Tuesday night, a lot of you are saying it's time for the Indian tribes to spend some of their casino cash to finish it. Why should they?

The Indian tribes didn't start it. They won't get any profit it makes. Plus, they won't lose much if it just goes under. But Oklahoma taxpayers sure will. We're already in it for $63 million.

Understand, state legislators started this project nine years ago to recognize and CAPITALIZE on, make money on, Oklahoma's incredibly unique Native American history. The tribes get it. They're building their own cultural centers.

2/26/2013 Related Story: Is The American Indian Cultural Center And Museum A Worthy Investment?

Admittedly, the state went BIG on this project, critics say too big.

It's more massive inside than it appears, and I think it could birth Bricktown-like development on the Oklahoma River. But the project's half done, out of money, not over budget, just lawmakers having second thoughts about spending any more on it. It's a little late for that.

Private donors have committed to chipping in $40 million dollars if legislators will match it and finish what they started. It's simple really; spend the millions now to complete it or spend it later to tear down the $63-million shell we've already built.

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