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Construction of a new aquarium in Syracuse is progressing, with completion expected by July 2026. Located along the Inner Harbor, the project has seen its costs rise from an initial estimate of $85 million to over $100 million. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that the project is currently $2 million short of its funding target, with hopes that private donations will fill the gap. So far, $4 million has been raised, with $3 million already transferred to the county.
The county has allocated $85 million, and the remaining funds are expected to come from private donations and naming rights. McMahon is optimistic that the aquarium will be self-sufficient once operational, similar to the county's amphitheater. The facility will be managed by ZoOceanarium Group, which also operates the St. Louis Aquarium in Missouri. The company will be paid $500,000 annually for its management services.
The aquarium, designed by PGAV Destinations, will feature 80,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing both freshwater and saltwater habitats. The facility is expected to attract approximately 490,000 visitors annually, generating about $12 million in revenue. However, some critics, including former Legislature Chairman Jim Rowley, express concerns about the project's long-term viability and potential reliance on taxpayer subsidies.
Despite these concerns, McMahon remains confident in the project's success, stating in February, "The project’s moving forward... The idea that there won’t be an aquarium by some legislators is, quite frankly, irresponsible." The county continues to seek private donations and negotiate naming rights to close the funding gap before the aquarium's opening next summer.