Business View Civil & Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 8

5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8 O p e n i n g L i n e s INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY DISCOVERY CENTER RECEIVES $2.5 MIL TO BUILD SCIENCE FACILITY IN FOUNTAIN HILLS, LARGEST TELESCO Funds further the prospect of connecting the night sky to life on earth through STEM education, research, and leading-edge experiences W ith $2.5 million in the state budget allocated to the International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC), the project enters Phase Two: detailed architectural design of the state-of-the-art facility. “Our entire Board is deeply grateful for Representative John Kavanagh’s efforts on our behalf,” said Joe Bill, IDSDC president. “By working to inform his legislative colleagues how the IDSDC will be a state-wide asset, he secured funding support that will enable us to advance to Phase Two. In January, the IDSDC launched an $18 million capital campaign to build the unique science- based facility in Fountain Hills, Ariz. Included is a first-class domed observatory housing the largest telescope in Greater Phoenix. The observatory is just one of four major state-of-the-art components that will provide STEM education and research opportunities for students and leading-edge learning experiences for all ages. 1. Dark Sky Observatory 2. Hyperspace Planetarium 3. Inspiration Theater 4. Immersion Zone with interactive exhibits STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS: “The International Dark Sky Discovery Center is an exciting opportunity for students and amateur star-gazers alike,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.