Item:
Title
Approval of Capital Project Ordinance No.27CPA015 Appropriating $2 Million of PAYGO Funding to the North Carolina Museum of Life and Sciences Museum Program and Event Infrastructure Capital Project (61903100DC041) Increasing the Total Project Budget to $7.85 Million to Address Increased Construction Costs due to Inflation and Tariffs
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 12, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Ordinance No.27CPA015 Appropriating $2,000,000 of PAYGO Funding to support the completion of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Sciences Museum Program and Event Infrastructure Capital Project (61903100DC041), thereby increasing the total project budget to $7.85 million. The original source of funding for this project was 2022 General Obligation Bonds Funds. The additional funding would be used for construction, material, labor and exhibit fabrication costs that have occurred due to inflation and tariff impact since the bond was approved.
|
Project # |
Current Budget |
Increase |
Revised Budget |
|
Museum Program and Event Infrastructure (6190DC041) |
$5,850,000 |
$2,000,000 |
$7,850,000 |
|
Summary |
$5,850,000.00 |
$2,000,000.00 |
$7,850,000.00 |
The Museum of Life and Science (MLS) requests an additional $2 million in County PAYGO funding to support completion of the Museum's 2022 voter-approved Bond capital projects. In 2022, Durham County voters approved $13.9 million in Bond funding for improvements at the Museum. Combined with a $1 million appropriation from the State of North Carolina and private philanthropic support, the public investment is part of an $18.5 million campus transformation. The Museum has made substantial progress, including building the Butterfly House Pavilion, renovating the Mercury Meeting Room, Biotech Lab, TinkerLab, and the From Here On sustainability exhibit, which includes Solutions coffee bar and a patio. Through June 2026, the Museum had expended approximately $8.38 million of the $13.9 million in County and state public capital funding available for the bond-related projects.
Despite careful project management, scope adjustments, and a more modest plan for the remaining restaurant project, the Museum currently faces approximately a $3.5 million funding gap. MLS has taken significant steps to address the gap through private support, raising nearly $1 million through its Building Bonds Campaign. The Museum also plans to invest approximately $100,000 to engage a professional fundraising agency for a 16 to 18-month campaign with a goal of raising an additional $1 million. These efforts will continue in parallel with the remaining capital work.
The remaining restaurant project is an important component of the Museum's capital plan and long-term financial sustainability. In addition to improving the visitor experience and expanding dining capacity, the restaurant is expected to increase earned revenue and encourage longer visitor stays, strengthening the Museum's ability to support ongoing operations and maintenance. The project also incorporates the Museum's sustainability goals and provides an additional opportunity to connect visitors with STEM concepts through a real-world application, as we drive toward a Living Building Challenge certificate, with the world's most rigorous green-building certification.
An additional $2 million in County PAYGO funding would provide the funding certainty necessary for the Museum to proceed with the restaurant construction contracts while continuing its private fundraising campaign to address the remaining capital needs. This investment would help protect and maximize the substantial public funding already committed to the project and enable MLS to complete the campus transformation envisioned by Durham voters. The completed capital program will strengthen the Museum's ability to serve Durham residents and visitors through high-quality science learning and accessible educational experiences. In the most recent fiscal year, MLS welcomed more than 628,000 visitors, delivered 2,300 educational programs serving over 100,000 participants, and provided free admission to more than 118,000 visitors through its access initiatives, delivering nearly $45 million in economic impact for Durham.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Consistent funding support for ongoing capital projects aligns with the Strategic Plan Focus Areas of Regional Leadership and Empowered Community.
Resource Persons: Keith Lane, Director, Budget & Management Services and David Ades, Assistant Director, Budget & Management Services
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Capital Project Ordinance No.27CPA015 Appropriating $2,000,000 of PAYGO Funding to support the completion of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Sciences Museum Program and Event Infrastructure Capital Project (61903100DC041) thereby increasing the total project budget to $7.85 million. The original source of funding for this project was 2022 General Obligation Bonds Funds. The additional funding would be used for construction, material, labor and exhibit fabrication costs that have occurred due to inflation and tariff impact since the bond was approved.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________