09.17.20

Hoeven: Minot Receives $6.3 Million Grant for Children's Discovery Center

Senator Urged DoD to Approve Application, Award Funds in a Timely Manner

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a $6.3 million grant to the City of Minot for construction of the Magic City Discovery Center, an interactive children’s museum that will provide science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) educational opportunities for Minot families, including those stationed at Minot Air Force Base. The funding, which Hoeven helped advance as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee and was provided under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP), will be combined with local funds to complete the nearly $14 million children’s discovery center.  

Hoeven recently contacted the DoD on behalf of the project sponsors, urging the department to approve Minot’s application and award the funds in a timely fashion to ensure the project can move forward without delay. The 22,000 sq. ft. center will be constructed on Minot Park District land on the North Hill and will provide an interactive and entertaining environment that helps educate children while also developing their creativity and critical-thinking skills.

“This project represents an exciting opportunity for children and families at the Minot Air Force Base as well as those throughout the surrounding area,” Hoeven said. “We appreciate the hard work of the local project sponsors to secure both federal and local funding to make this project a reality, as it is an important investment in the success of today’s youth as well as the future of our state and nation. That’s exactly why we funded this new pilot program through the Defense Appropriations Committee and urged the administration to advance Minot’s application. We look forward to the facility’s completion.”

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