Flandrau Science Center approved as part of Rio Nuevo

The University of Arizona Science Center has officially become part of the city's Rio Nuevo downtown redevelopment project.

The Tucson City Council voted unanimously to include the center in the redevelopment project Monday.

The move allows the science center to qualify for $20 million in funding from the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District.

It is the first major component of the Rio Nuevo project to be approved for development and public funding.

The science center's design includes plans for a planetarium and observatory, exhibition halls, a large screen theater and a restaurant.

UA leaders hope to open the center, estimated to cost $96 million, by 2008.

Although UA officials will not have to cover construction costs, they will be in charge of raising $20 million to build an endowment, which would cover ongoing costs.

At their September meeting, the Arizona Board of Regents approved $56 million for the downtown science center.

The UA will also continue to give $500,000 to the center annually.

- Staff and Wire Reports