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Construction of a new aquarium in Syracuse is progressing on schedule, according to Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. The $100 million facility is expected to open by July 2026. The county legislature has limited funding to $85 million, approved in 2022, which means McMahon has had to reallocate funds and seek additional financial support from private and corporate donors.
To cover the rising costs, McMahon has used $2.5 million from a fund initially set aside for improving amenities around Onondaga Lake. This fund, created as part of a court-ordered restoration project by Honeywell International, was meant to enhance public enjoyment of the lake area. Despite criticism from some, McMahon believes the aquarium aligns with the fund's purpose.
The county executive has also redirected $6.6 million from federal stimulus money to support the project, raising the total available funds to $92 million. The remaining funds are being sourced through a nonprofit foundation established to raise money for the aquarium's construction. As of February, the foundation had secured $3 million in pledges, with more commitments expected.
The aquarium, located at the Syracuse Inner Harbor, is part of a broader effort to boost local tourism and provide educational opportunities. While naming rights for the facility have not yet been sold, fundraising efforts continue to ensure the project's completion.