PR02:563
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/30/2002

GOVERNOR DAVIS ALLOCATES $6 MILLION TO RESTORE
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY 10/30/2002

The Southern California Icon has received No Major
Capital Improvements Since Opening Its Doors

LOS ANGELES

Governor Gray Davis today announced the allocation of
$6 million from
voter-approved Proposition 40 to restore the
world-famous Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.

"The renewal of Griffith Observatory is exactly the
kind of project California voters had in mind when
they approved Proposition 40 - historically
significant, culturally enriching, and uniquely
accessible," said Gov. Davis. "This funding ensures
that a southern California treasure is preserved not
only for this generation of children and families, but
for many generations to come. The project is at a
moment when state help is needed most and can be
immediately put to good use by local officials."

There have been no major capital improvements to the
Griffith Observatory since it opened its doors in
1935. The state funding enables the City of Los
Angeles to immediately begin construction on the
renovation project. Public and private fundraising
from southern California sources had already secured
$52 million, but remained short of the amount needed
to complete the construction project. The total
project cost is estimated at $82 million.

The renovation effort will completely restore the
existing Moderne/Art
Deco-style Observatory building and more than double
the usable public space by constructing a new exhibit
hall under the front lawn.

"Governor Davis has made a commitment of cosmic
significance, and the people of southern California
are enormously grateful," said Los Angeles Mayor Jim
Hahn. "Now, it is time to pick up our shovels and get
to work."

"Today I am proud to take historic steps to ensure
that the Griffith
Observatory remains a vibrant part of California's
future," added Gov. Davis. "By breaking ground on this
landmark project we will keep the farthest reaches of
space within arms reach of the children of Los
Angeles."

Perched on the side of Mount Hollywood overlooking the
Los Angeles Basin, Griffith Observatory has been a
part of the civic fabric of the region since opening
in 1935. It is certainly one of the most beloved and
recognizable buildings in the region, a place with a
rich heritage and a focus on the future. With nearly
two million annual visitors, the Observatory is
arguably the most-visited educational facility in
southern California. In addition, more than 50,000
children come from hundreds of schools each year for
special
educational programs. Admission is always free to the
Hall of Science
exhibits, the public telescopes, and the Observatory
grounds.



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