Skelos And Hannon Announce Funding For Long Island Museum Of Science And Technology

R-Garden City) today announced a $1.5 million state grant to fund the Phase I development of the Long Island Museum of Science and Technology (“LIMSAT”) at Nassau County’s Museum Row.

“This is another huge win for Long Island,” said Senator Skelos. “Museum Row is a tremendous asset for Nassau County and the Museum of Science and Technology will add another world-class attraction for students, families and tourists to enjoy.”

“The Long Island Museum of Science and Technology will be a stellar addition to the existing museums, combining education and fun all at once,” said Senator Hannon. “Science and technology are ideal themes for all visitors, young and old alike, who visit Museum Row, whether it’s for an hour or a day.”

The state grant will be approved by the New York State Empire State Development Corporation at its December meeting. As secured by Senators Skelos and Hannon, this funding builds upon over $2 million in private contributions achieved through LIMSAT’s capital fundraising campaign.

Currently, Museum Row features the Long Island Children’s Museum at the west end of the complex, with the Cradle of Aviation Museum, IMAX Theater and the Reckson Visitor Center on the east end. This grant will fund the conversion of Hanger Two at Mitchel Field (adjoining the Reckson Visitor Center) into an exhibition hall.

Beyond the creation of a world-class tourist destination at Museum Row, this new interactive museum is designed to spark students’ interest in mathematics and science and, as a result, encourage more young people to pursue science-related careers. LIMSAT will enhance the educational opportunities available to Long Island students and provide lasting benefits for the region’s economy by both cultivating the next generation of scientists and technology innovators and bolstering the state’s previous investments in Nassau and Suffolk counties’ high-tech industries.

Earlier this year, Senators Skelos and Hannon wrote a new law providing an ongoing revenue stream for the development of Museum Row and Nassau County’s other cultural organizations. Through that initiative, approximately $4.3 million collected through the county’s hotel and motel occupancy tax will fund marketing, exhibit development and other costs associated with these attractions.

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