State budget includes funding for Hippodrome State Theatre

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.

She says the main inspiration for keeping the Hippodrome State Theater so well maintained is the building itself.

Hausch says the upkeep is vital for the theater's growth.

This particular grant has not been funded in the state budget since 2007. Last year the building celebrated it's 100th birthday.