Fountain Hills council approves town-led application for $2.5 million Dark Sky exhibit

Fountain Hills — The Fountain Hills Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the town to apply for $2,500,000 in congressionally directed spending on behalf of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center and to serve as the grant administrator if the project is selected.

The council’s April 14 vote directs staff to complete and submit the request that would seek federal funds to purchase and install a science and STEM-exhibit for the proposed discovery center. The council approved the motion on a 7-0 roll call after staff described deadlines and administrative requirements.

Council members and staff stressed this vote authorizes only the application; a later formal acceptance would be required if the funding is included in an appropriations bill. Economic development director Amanda Jacobs told the council, “The request is for $2,500,000. It’s to outfit a scientific exhibit, for example, for STEM education.” Town Manager Rachel Goodwin and finance staff explained the application process would be reimbursement-based and would require the town to act as the recipient and draw down federal funds if the project is awarded.

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