Oklahoma Aquarium opening delayed again

The Oklahoma Aquarium is poised to be a huge tourist attraction and moneymaker â€“ when it finally opens. <br><br>When it broke ground, the city of Jenks hoped to be finished in the spring of 2002.That

Friday, February 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Aquarium is poised to be a huge tourist attraction and moneymaker â€“ when it finally opens.

When it broke ground, the city of Jenks hoped to be finished in the spring of 2002.That got pushed to September of 2002. And most recently postponed to March 1st of 2003.But there's still no firm opening date.

Jenks City Manager Randy Ewing says the main reason for this most recent delay is the tricky process to get the water right for the animals. "The opening date really depends on the animals, because whether it's the sharks or any of the other exhibit base of the aquarium, the chemistry's got to be right."

Along with the "chemistry", is the budget for the aquarium. It has grown from $15-million to nearly $20-million.

Ewing says that's because of the addition of the fishing lure museum, the state Wildlife office, and more displays. He says actual cost overruns have been relatively small.