Rocket Center's Economic Impact On Alabama

Sydney Martin was outside the US Space and Rocket Center after working to learn more about the impact the museum has on Alabama.

Has on the state.

Here at the space and rocket center today- they launched this go fund me asking for 1 point 5 million dollars to stay open past october- in the last 6 hours x was donated to the cause.

The center told me the museum is a major part of community.

John nerger, chairman of the alabama space science exhibit commission "this is an incredibly important economic engine not just for the huntsville, madison community but for entire state.

I think to the tune of 150 million dollars worth of spending which obviously does a lot to support and strengthen our strong economy here."

Tuesday- officials with the space and rocket center said closing the center- if it can't raise one point five million dollars means losing millions of dollars in tourism revenue.

Louis ramirez, ceo "people come to space camp and the parents stay at the local hotels and/or frequent the restaurants."

About a year ago..the center said it was thriving as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 moon mission... john nerger, chairman of the alabama space science exhibit commission "it's actually stunning to us to see how quickly the tide can turn."

And one form space camp attendee and counselor told me you can tell the difference from this time last year.

Christoper key, space camp alumnus "it is more than night and day.

The mood last summer both with the 50th anniversary plus the alumni festival weekend, it was a homecoming it was a reunion."

Everyone telling me the museum and space camp are crucial to the growth we are seeing in the area.

Ben chandler, chairman of the u.s. space & rocket center education foundation board of directors "the community, when the city, when the chamber brings intentional companies to huntsville for possible investment and infrastructure, this, what i have been calling the statue of liberty for huntsville, is ground zero it seems to always culminate and center right here at the us space and rocket center now the center is looking to raise that 1 point 5 million dollars by october to stay open..

If not they told me the state could try to take over the center.

Live in huntsville sm waay 31 news.