The California Science Center is on the brink of completing its largest project yet, the Air and Space Center, which is expected to significantly enhance the educational experience for families and schoolchildren. During a recent Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee meeting, officials highlighted the center's role as a vital science learning institution, attracting around two million visitors annually.

The Air and Space Center, part of a long-term development plan initiated in 1993, will nearly double the Science Center's size and feature a full space shuttle stack along with numerous aircraft and exhibits. While the building is nearing completion, officials noted that the current budget proposal only covers maintenance costs and does not include funding for the center's public opening.

Senator Smallwood Cuevas emphasized the project's importance, not just for Los Angeles but for the entire state, citing the anticipated economic benefits from increased tourism. Each visitor is expected to contribute significantly to local sales tax revenue, reinforcing the argument that investment in the center is an investment in California's economy.

However, concerns were raised about the funding needed to operate the new facility. The legislative analyst's office pointed out that there is no identified funding source for the center's operational costs, which could pose challenges in the future. The current budget proposal is insufficient for opening the center to the public, as it only allows for maintenance of the building once completed.

As the project moves forward, the state will need to address these funding gaps to ensure that the Air and Space Center can fulfill its potential as a major educational and economic asset for California. The discussions at the meeting underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving such ambitious projects, with private donations playing a crucial role in the center's development.