Most visited state museum needs $2 million in improvements

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's most visited state museum needs more than $2 million in improvements. The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2eGBEwB) that the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque needs a fire-retardant curtain, smoke detectors, fire-alarm panels, improvements to heating and air conditioning systems, and other repairs. The Department of Cultural Affairs received only $300,000 for the needs of the entire department this fiscal year from the Governmental Gross Receipts Tax. Money from the tax is used for capital emergencies within the DCA. The department oversees eight state-run museums and seven historical sites. DCA Secretary Veronica Gonzales says the agency is interested in increasing the percentage it receives from the tax. Cultural Affairs is working closely with the Finance Authority to appeal to state authorities for more capital building repair funds. ___ Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com