10.07.20

Hoeven Helps Break Ground on Magic City Discovery Center

Senator Worked though Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to Secure $6.3 Million Federal Grant for Facility’s Construction

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today helped break ground on the Magic City Discovery Center, an interactive children’s museum that will provide science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) educational opportunities for Minot families, including those stationed at Minot Air Force Base. The 22,000 sq. ft. center is being constructed on Minot Park District land on the North Hill and will provide an interactive and entertaining environment that will help educate children while also developing their creativity and critical-thinking skills. Project construction is expected to begin in full in early 2021, with completion set for late 2022.

The project is supported by a $6.3 million grant from the Department of Defense (DoD), combined with local funding for a total cost of $14 million. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to advance the federal funding under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) Program. Further, the senator contacted DoD on behalf of the project sponsors, urging the department to approve Minot’s application and award the funds in a timely fashion to ensure the project can move forward without delay.

“This is a welcome investment in one of North Dakota’s major defense communities,” Hoeven said. “Through this facility, children from the base and surrounding region will have access to an entertaining and educational resource, which will support their long-term growth, well-being and future success. Further, by stimulating interest in these important fields earlier, the Magic City Discovery Center will help shape the next generation of innovators, who drive growth and opportunity throughout our state.”

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