The newly approved state budget included nearly $100,000 in funding for the Hippodrome State Theater. The money is part of a cultural facilities funding grant that has specific instructions on how it can be used. Hippodrome Producing Director Mary Hausch says they will be using the funding for a variety of projects, including one to help the hearing impaired.
http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/hausch1Hippodrome.mp3
She says the main inspiration for keeping the Hippodrome State Theater so well maintained is the building itself.
http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/hausche2Hippodrome.mp3
Hausch says the upkeep is vital for the theater's growth.
http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/hausche3Hippopdrome.mp3
This particular grant has not been funded in the state budget since 2007. Last year the building celebrated it's 100th birthday.