The Cheyenne City Council Finance Committee on Monday voted unanimously in favor of a development agreement between the city and the Children's Museum of Cheyenne.

The agreement will now go on to the full city council for final consideration. Mayor Rick Kaysen told the committee that one provision of the agreement would authorize the city to apply for state funding to help build the museum, which would be located in the downtown property commonly referred to as "the hole". The mayor says as it stands now the city would ask for at least $2.5 million in state funding, but he says that amount could change.

Under the proposed agreement the city would control the property for four years to help get state money. The museum could eventually purchase the property for $100 once construction is finished. The museum group currently owns about 3/4 of the property, with the city owning the balance.

Amy Surdam, president of the museum board of directors, told the committee the cost to build the facility is estimated at at least $ 8 million, and it's expected to cost another $3 million for exhibits, furniture and other start up expenses.

She says a recent study shows the museum could expect to attract at least 45,000 visitors by it's fourth year.

 

 

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