The Freedom Center gets $800,000

Jane Prendergast reports in tomorrow's Enquirer:

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Thursday got $800,000 from the city as part of an arts funding package that gave the same amount to three other museums and created a fund for smaller arts groups and special events.

The money is the first the city has given the Freedom Center since the riverfront museum and education center opened in 2004.

Center officials plan to use the money – for capital expenses, not operating costs – to help pay off the approximately $25 million in debt remaining from the $110 million construction expenses.

Councilman Chris Monzel did what he said for months he would do – vote against the center funding. Monzel, the only dissenter, had proposed spending the $800,000 instead to install speed humps on residential streets.“

Funding from the city will greatly help the Freedom Center continue to carry out its mission of inspiring modern-day action on behalf of freedom,” center spokesman Paul Bernish said after Wednesday’s vote.