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Virginia Aquarium Foundation and city outline $9.6M repairs, propose $3.2M city appropriation
Summary
City staff and the Virginia Aquarium Foundation presented consultant findings saying immediate repairs to core exhibits will cost about $9.6 million in total; the city’s share of interior repairs is $3.2 million and staff plans to bring an appropriation ordinance in July or August 2025, while longer‑term redesign could cost up to $120 million over a multi‑year timeline.
Mayor Bobby Dyer convened a special session of the Virginia Beach City Council on June 24 to receive updates on the Virginia Aquarium. Dan Peterson, chair of the Virginia Aquarium Foundation, told council the aquarium cares for more than 5,000 animals across about 250 species and reported roughly 620,000 visitors in fiscal 2024. Peterson said the Foundation has raised more than $100 million over its history and has provided audited financial statements to the city.
"The Virginia Aquarium is a third most visited attraction in the Commonwealth," Peterson said, framing the institution as both a community and regional asset. Foundation treasurer Buffy Barefoot walked council through a 10‑year breakdown of Foundation spending, listing capital, animals/exhibits, education/outreach, research/stranding, general and administrative, and fundraising as the main categories.
City staff presen…
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