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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2009

Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Patty Peters – 614.645.3411; patty.peters@columbuszoo.org

Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$500,000 for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $500,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Animal Encounter Village project.
 
Animal Encounter Village is a new feature at the zoo designed to spark a passion for nature and conservation by giving visitors rare up-close-and-personal experiences with the animals. The Village offers a place where zoo guests will interact with zoo animals and animal care staff through mini-presentations, demonstrations, and meet-and-greet experiences. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently was named the #1 zoo in America by USA Travel Guide, and the zoo complex also includes the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and the Safari Golf Course.

The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 562 of the 127th General Assembly. Franklin County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senators David Goodman, Jim Hughes and Ray Miller; Representatives Kevin Bacon, Ted Celeste, Tracy Maxwell Heard and Dan Stewart; former Senator Steve Stivers; and former Representatives Joyce Beatty, Larry Flowers, Jim McGregor and Larry Wolpert.

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that supports economic development, expands educational opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million in capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.