Delays Expected in Construction of American Indian Cultural Center

By Emily Wood, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Construction of the American Indian Cultural Center is in jeopardy after lawmakers failed to approve a key funding measure before the end of the legislative session.

State Senator Harry Coates said lawmakers needed to pass a bond package to keep construction going on the center near downtown Oklahoma City.

The $43 million package was supposed to attract another $45 million in private donations.

However, lawmakers did not vote on the package before the session ended Friday.

Executive Director Gena Timberman said she's disappointed but determined.

"But without additional funding, it inevitably will halt for a bit, but the question isn't whether we will build an American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, but when we build," Timberman said.

Senator Coates said there is enough funding to keep construction going for a while, but work will most likely come to a halt in a few months.

The center is expected to cost $170 million and will cover 250 acres near the Oklahoma River and Interstate 35.

Construction was scheduled to end in 2014, but that timeline could be delayed now, Coates said.