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hearings on the Institution's fiscal year 1988 budget request were held on March 12, 1987. The tone of the hearings was very positive for the Institution. They not only provided the opportunity to present important programs in the fiscal year 1988 request but also to discuss the critical long term needs of the Institution. Considerable discussion centered around the care and maintenance of the physical plant. It was pointed out that there is a backlog of over $200 million in [[underlined]] identified [[/underlined]] restoration and renovation projects. Long term needs related to collections (acquisition, inventory, storage space) were also discussed. The shortage in guard personnel was mentioned several times.

Senate hearing are expected to take place May 5, 1987. Final Congressional action is not likely until late summer or early fall.

--[[underlined]]Nonappropriated Trust funds: [[/underlined]] No adjustments have been made to the fiscal year 1988 estimates previously presented.

[[underlined]] Other Matters [[/underlined]]

[[underlined]]Ramsey Endowment Funding for Dulles Shelter [[/underlined]]

At the Ramsey Fund Trustees Meeting on April 7th, a motion was passed authorizing the Institution "to expend from principal of the Admiral and Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Ramsey Fund an amount not to exceed $415,000 for the construction of a pre-engineered metal building at Dulles International Airport... to house...the space shuttle Enterprise and three other aircraft and certain Naval aircraft and archival material."

Consistent with Smithsonian practice, a suitable plaque acknowledgeing the support of the Ramsey Fund will be placed in a prominent location within the building.

[[underlined]] National Zoological Park Parking Fund [[/underlined]]

As a result of a recommendation made by the Office of Audits and Investigations during its 1986 audit of the National Zoo, the Treasurer