Most Smithsonian funding intact under budget deal

Posted: 1:35 pm Mon, April 18, 2011
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Institution will see a $1.8 million cut in its 2011 budget under the spending deal approved by Congress.

Details of the budget released Monday include a $759.6 million appropriation from Congress, down from $761.4 million last year. Most Smithsonian funding remains intact with a small reduction for salaries and expenses.

There is $125 million for construction and revitalization projects. That includes $20 million for planning and design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and $10.6 million for revitalization at the National Museum of Natural History and National Zoo.

The Natural History Museum also will receive $16.6 million to replace its mechanical systems and windows.

The National Museum of American History will receive $18 million to convert its parking garage into space for collections storage.