OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday signed a bill to finish the mothballed American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.
House Bill 2237 calls for issuing up to $25 million in state bonds to finish the Oklahoma City facility, a project that became stalled in 2012 after lawmakers balked at providing additional funding.
The bond money will be combined with $31 million from other sources and $9 million pledged by the city of Oklahoma City. The plan calls for eventually turning over the property to Oklahoma City.
“For years, the Cultural Center has been a potential asset that has gone ignored,” Fallin said in a press release. “The completed center promises to be an important tourism attraction, an economic boost for the state and for Oklahoma City, and an educational tool to remind Oklahomans and non-Oklahomans alike of the important contributions that Native Americans have made to our history and culture.
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“My thanks go out to the Legislature for wisely choosing to finish this project, the city of Oklahoma City for its support, and the many individuals and businesses that have worked to raise private dollars to support its completion.”
Blake Wade, chief executive officer of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, worked for years to secure the additional funding for the facility.
“We are very pleased and happy to hear Gov. Fallin signed the bill,” Wade said. “We are looking forward to working with Oklahoma City to answer all their questions and see what we can do to expedite that part of our project.”
The facility is expected to be completed in 2018, Wade said.
Creation of the center was authorized in 1994. Construction began in 2006 but stalled as funding ran out.
The state pays almost $7 million a year to maintain the property and fund debt service.
House Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, and Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, are the authors of HB 2237.
Hickman said Fallin’s signature brings the state one step closer to ending the chapter on completing the facility.
“I believe this legislation really is the only option we have at this point to finish this project that has been a challenge for numerous legislators and governors,” Hickman said.
Bingman called the measure a thoughtful and responsible plan to end ongoing costs and finish the facility.
“It was important for us to bring this to a close,” Bingman said. “I encourage the city of Oklahoma City to assume control of the project and fulfill its promise as a tourist attraction and an economic development tool.”
A measure that allows $25 million in bonds to be used to build a popular culture center, called OKPOP, in Tulsa is pending on Fallin’s desk. The measure initially failed both chambers but then passed after being brought back up on motions to reconsider the vote.
