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The ongoing debate over funding for the Syracuse aquarium has taken a new turn. The Onondaga County Legislature announced that County Executive Ryan McMahon must secure additional funds from private donors to complete the project. In 2022, the legislature authorized $85 million for the aquarium's construction. However, due to inflation, the estimated cost has risen to $100 million.
According to WSYR-TV, the Republican-led legislature will not approve any further taxpayer funding. Instead, they suggest a private-public partnership to cover the increased costs. A new local law is being considered to allow the county to solicit and receive donations and sponsorships for the project.
The aquarium, located in Syracuse's Inner Harbor, is scheduled to open in 2026. Despite the funding challenges, McMahon remains committed to the project, stating that it is a "fait accompli." However, some community members, like Dave Pasinski, have expressed concerns about the project's financial viability and its impact on taxpayer dollars. In a letter to the editor, Pasinski criticized the project's cost projections and urged legislators to prioritize investments that benefit the community's quality of life.
As the county seeks private funding, the Ways and Means Committee will consider the proposed law next week. The outcome will determine how the aquarium's completion is financed and whether it can meet its 2026 opening date.