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A vote by the Onondaga County Legislature to allocate an additional $11 million for the Syracuse Inner Harbor aquarium project was postponed on Tuesday (December 17). The legislature's Republican leadership removed the proposal from the agenda just before the scheduled meeting, citing the need for more time to address outstanding questions and concerns.
The aquarium project, initially budgeted at $85 million, now faces a projected cost of nearly $100 million due to inflation and other factors. County Executive Ryan McMahon proposed the additional funding to cover these increased costs, with plans to later reimburse the county through private donations and sponsorships. However, the proposal did not go through the usual committee process, leading to criticism from several Democratic legislators.
Legislature Chairman Tim Burtis explained that the decision to delay the vote was made to ensure all details were thoroughly considered. He expects the proposal to be revisited in early 2025, possibly during the legislature's meeting in February or March.
The project's rising costs and the lack of identified private donors have sparked concerns among lawmakers and community members. Democratic legislator Maurice Brown expressed skepticism about relying on private funding, stating to CNY Central, "Once it is built, we are going to be forced to pay for this for the rest of my life."
The aquarium, which aims to open in late spring or early summer of 2026, remains a contentious issue within the community.