The Children’s Museum of Skagit County was delighted to learn that the City of Burlington Lodging Tax Committee had made their funding recommendation to the City Council. The Committee will recommend approval of a $150,000 one-time funding request to the Children’s Museum for their upcoming relocation.

The funds are generated by Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.180 which is a consumer tax on lodging charges for periods of less than 30 consecutive days for hotels, motels, rooming houses, private campgrounds, RV parks, and similar facilities. The funds are distributed by the State Treasurer to the levying cities and counties. They may be used for promotion of tourism or construction and operation of tourism-related facilities.

“The City of Burlington is thrilled that the Burlington Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommends a $150,000 investment in the future of the Children’s Museum” said Bryan Harrison, City Administrator for the City of Burlington. “The city recognizes the invaluable contribution that the Children’s Museum makes to improve the lives of children and their families. The city values its long relationship with the Children’s Museum, and looks forward to this next adventure.”

The Children’s Museum of Skagit County announced in August that it would be moving to The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington in two phases over late 2018 and into early 2019. The new space is bigger, totaling 12,250 square feet and will feature new exhibits as well as current favorites. The build out for the new facility is estimated to be $650,000, making the contribution from the City of Burlington lodging tax fund much needed and appreciated.

“The support from the City of Burlington is an enormous boost to the fundraising efforts towards our relocation,” said Cate Anderson, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. “We are elated for this recommendation that will help to ensure our successful transition.”

The Children’s Museum of Skagit County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that opened in Mount Vernon in 2003 before moving to their current 11,000 square foot space in Burlington’s Cascade Mall. The mission of the museum is to provide an interactive learning environment to promote, encourage and increase an understanding of the arts, science and culture among children, youth, families and educators in Skagit County. The Museum is open seven days a week and admission is $6.25 per person. To learn more about open hours, membership, events, camps, classes, parties, volunteering, supporting and more visit the Museum website at SkagitChildrensMuseum.net or call (360) 757 8888.