The Nature Research Center in Raleigh (across the street from the General Assembly) is shown below as of May 18, 2011. The estimated cost of this project is $56 million but only $10 million is funded by the state. Although the sign for this project states an opening date of Fall 2011, the excerpt in the following article is optimistic that the remaining funds will be donated in time for a Spring 2012 opening.
The image below is an artist’s rendition of the completed project.
The director of exhibits is Roy Campbell who states:
“We’re very optimistic about it. When people understand that the purpose of the project is increasing science literacy, they understand. Even in these times, they know it’s the right thing to do.”
I would bet that Mr. Campbell is not anxious to see HB 36 passed in this legislative session after looking at the workers on this project. I understand that this government behemoth is past the point of not being completed. Is this project something that North Carolina needs? Probably not: just drive through Centennial Campus at North Carolina State University to see the combination of science, engineering and state funded construction on a scale that also is too large. This project looks like another Marbles in the making.
David DeGerolamo
Nature Research Center to be engine for science in state
Sunday, February 6, 2011
by Ross Maloney
RALEIGH – Things are taking shape for the Museum of Natural Science’s new Nature Research Center in Raleigh. Former governor Jim Hunt dedicated the center’s to museum director Betsy Bennett Tuesday. Amazon research author and rainforest preservation enthusiast Margaret Lowman has been brought on as the NRC director. Now the Museum is entering its final phase of gathering funding.
Overall, the Nature Research Center will cost $56 million. The majority—$37.5 million—goes to construction and building costs. The remainder will go to exhibits. Currently, the Museum is 83 percent toward its financial goal, said director of exhibits Roy Campbell. He doesn’t anticipate a problem getting the rest.
…..
The NRC will create 45 to 50 new science jobs at the museum, said communications director Jon Pishney. National and international scientists will also be invited to speak.
“We want to demystify science to students and the public,” Pishney said. “We’re trying to provide resources, inspiration, and encouragement.”
As the project has seen federal, city, and county money, as well as money from close-knit private donors, the remainder will come from the general public. Campbell said an online campaign was launched last Monday.
The quicker the mercury rises on the fundraising thermometer, the more likely the NRC will meet its projected spring 2012 opening.
So that’s what it is. I drove by today and thought that it sure looked like a Death Star.
Public funding? -- No, way! I’d sooner kiss a Wookie.
Is that science or “science” IPCC style?