Syracuse Aquarium

It was announced in June of 2023 that an aquarium would be built in Syracuse, New York. Prep work has started on Solar Street and Onondaga County has awarded W.D Malone trucking and excavating $1 million to start contracting work. The overall estimate for this project is claimed to be $85 million. “The final design is expected to be released by the end of the year”, states Syracuse.com. 

Although we don’t know exactly what the design for this project is yet, the county intends for it to be built above ground because of large petroleum storage facilities that were built and used through the 1900s. 

Ryan McMahon, Onondaga county executive, has pushed for this project for numerous years and argues that it will increase tourism in Syracuse. Other people on the other hand don’t agree with McMahon. “It’s a bad idea financially, as most aquariums are not significant revenue generators,” states Bill Kinne, Onondaga county legislator. Syracuse.com states that Kinne believes this is a poor use of government dollars. "This isn't a cheap investment, but it's already a done deal.” CNY Central states. Although the project is expensive, it is expected to bring lots of tourists to the area. “That’s one of our big goals is inclusivity for every person in this community and beyond, all the tourists that’s coming,” states Ted Fox, director of Rosamond Gifford Zoo, to Spectrum News.