Funding for a large-format IMAX theater at the Danville Science Center is part of a $1.5 billion state higher education bond referendum on the November ballot.
The referendum will fund about 75 projects at colleges, universities and education centers across the state, including projects at Longwood University, Danville Community College, Patrick Henry Community College and Southside Community College.
Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Danville, said Thursday that the money for the bond referendum would not all have to be borrowed at once, but could be spread out over several years.
“The state can borrow as projects come forth,” Marshall said. “Let’s face it — we’re not going to be in this recession forever, and this is an opportunity to take advantage of low interest rates and lock them in.”
Marshall said the Science Center project garnered a lot of support in Richmond because the Danville Regional Foundation has already pledged more than $1 million toward it and it is listed as a priority project by the Science Museum of Virginia.
The bond referendum has allocated about $2.2 million for this project.
Jeff Liverman, director of the Science Center, said he is excited about the project and the impact it will have on the community.
“We already draw attendance strongly from a 100-mile radius. This will enhance our ability to draw from outside the region,” Liverman said. “It will enhance science education, attract people to Danville and encourage them to stay.”
He said local fundraising efforts will make up any shortfalls in the $3.4 million project.
“We’ll be raising funds locally; it’s very doable, and we will bring in any additional funds needed,” Liverman said.
Contact Denice Thibodeau at dthibodeau@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7985.
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