Plans for The Catskill Interpretive Center--

Strategic Goals:
1. The Friends are in the process of demonstrating that the project is a priority for the region, especially for the towns of Shandaken, Olive, and Woodstock; and for Ulster and Delaware counties;
2. The political leadership of the State of New York must be convinced to assume the burden of the basic operation of the Center, and to appropriate capital funds for the construction of facilities;
3. The Friends will have to raise enough non-state funds to entice the State to make its own commitments.

Funding:
The original budget for construction (without furnishing and exhibits) was of $3.68 million. The exhibits have been designed, but its production was estimated to require a further $0.4 million. The furnishing was, as far as it is known, never estimated, but an estimate is $0.25 million (in 1992 dollars). Hence, the total is of $4.33 million. Since 1992, inflation has multiplied costs by a factor of 1.48, resulting in an estimated budget for the project of $6.41 million, rounded to $6.50 million. To this amount should be added $0.50 million for modifications of past plans, and for the use of information technology, which did not exist at the time the plans were formulated. Hence, the total cost of the project is estimated at $7.0 million.

The Friends commit to raise from non-state sources 25% of this amount, $1.75 million, resulting in a request from the State of New York for the DEC of $5.25 million. Of the $1.75 million to be raised by The Friends, $1.65 million should be raised from foundations and individuals, and $0.10 million from local governments.