American Indian museum moving closer to reality

Saturday, March 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Native American Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City came a step closer to reality Friday when the U.S. Senate approved a bill authorizing $33 million for its construction.

The measure cleared on a voice vote and will return to the House for another vote, which is expected to be a formality.

While the measure authorizes the money for the center, it does not actually provide it. Financing will have to be included in one of the major appropriations bills lawmakers consider later this year.

Rep. Brad Carson, D-Okla., primary House sponsor of the bill, assuaged the concerns of senators about the facility's funding source and whether the cultural center's mission would conflict with an American Indian museum being built on the National Mall in the nation's capital.

Sen. Don Nickles met personally with Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W. Va., who had some objections.

Funding would come from the Interior Department's appropriations under the House measure and from the spending bill for the Labor and Health and Human Services departments in the Senate.

The center and museum will be located on a 300-acre tract of land at the intersection of Interstates 35 and 40 near downtown Oklahoma City. It will be a partner with the Oklahoma Historical Society and a member of the Smithsonian Affiliations Program.

A third of the facility's cost, adding up to $8.25 million per year for the next four years, will be contingent upon the other two-thirds coming from local and state sources.

The project has already received $5 million from Oklahoma City, $6.5 million from the state and $100,000 from Phillips Petroleum. The land, which is owned by Oklahoma City, has an estimated value of $15 million, which can be counted as matching money if that site is used.

``I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate have seen fit to pass this important legislation,'' Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said. ``The Native American Cultural Center will be a lasting reminder of the rich heritage American Indians have had on our state and nation. The exceptional facility will benefit all Oklahomans.''

Work on the state museum is scheduled to be completed by November 2007.