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Powerhouse deserves public support

A Herald editorial (June 25) expressed surprise that the Powerhouse Science Center would ask for $125,000 in public funding. Unfortunately, the editorial omitted important facts.

First, before the 2008 recession, the PSC, like other flagship nonprofits in town (e.g., the Durango Arts Center and the Community Concert Hall), received annual city support. That funding was cut when tax and tourist revenues plummeted, but now those revenues have been restored, and while the city is spending millions to extend the River Trail and repair athletic fields, funding for key cultural venues has not meaningfully returned despite the continuing positive economic and social impacts from these nonprofits.

Second, when the city leased the land to the Discovery Museum (forerunner of the PSC), the building was dilapidated, filthy and contaminated with asbestos. Supporters privately raised $5.1 million to restore the building. That’s $5 million taxpayers did not have to spend to restore an historic structure. At $125,000 per year in operational support, it would take the city 40 years to pay back that investment in historical preservation.

Third, asking for municipal support of a cultural institution is not outlandish. In a recent study of 20 cities similar to Durango, all had cultural centers managed by nonprofits. Nearly two-thirds of those centers received an average of $7.5 million in capital investment from their cities, and 88 percent received annual operational support – from general funds, lodger’s taxes or payment of employee salaries.

The Herald’s editorial rightly demanded that the PSC produce a “demonstrably workable business plan.” I agree, and that is being done. A sustainable business model, which includes public funding, should precede any decision to restore city support for the PSC. And we need to support it.

Why? Because the next Alexander Fleming may today be an 8-year-old girl or 7-year-old boy in Durango. Fleming is the scientist who discovered penicillin. He was an inquisitive and curious boy, stimulated as a child to pursue science, and his discovery has saved millions of lives.

We need the PSC to stimulate young minds. And it deserves public support.

Terry R. Bacon, president Durango STEAM Park

Durango



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