
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 21, 1995                   TAG: 9503210141
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FAIRFAX                                LENGTH: Short

AIR, SPACE MUSEUM FUNDS SLASHED

The future of the proposed National Air and Space Museum annex in Fairfax County is cloudy now that the House of Representatives has slashed $4 million in planning money.

The House voted 227-200 last week to cut $17 billion in spending for housing, environmental and other programs - including the Smithsonian Institution annex near Washington Dulles International Airport.

``By zeroing out the funding for the plan and design of the extension, the House is virtually bringing to a halt the creation of a facility to preserve and exhibit most of the United States' air and space artifacts,'' Sen. John Warner, R-Va., wrote in a letter to Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash. ``To do that is a disservice to our nation.''

Warner asked Gorton, chairman of a key subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to reinstate the money.

``Without this funding, the project cannot go forward,'' Warner wrote.

David Whitestone, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Fairfax County, said the House decision does not necessarily mean the death of the project.

Virginia already has committed $30 million to $40 million for such improvements as highway access to the museum, airplane taxiways and parking; a $3 million interest-free loan; and a bond issue of up to $100 million.

by CNB