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[[preprinted]]
[[image-state seal]]
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor
Richmond 23219

Gerald L. Baliles
Governor 
[[/]preprinted]]

January 29, 1988

The Honorable Robert McCormick Adams
Secretary
Smithsonian Institution
1000 Jefferson Drive, S.W. - Room 205
Washington, DC 20560

Dear Secretary Adams:

In September 1983, the Smithsonian Institution's Regents voted to expand the National Air and Space Museum, selecting Dulles as the location after an extensive evaluation of available sites at airports throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

On March 15, 1985, shortly after your appointment, former Governor Charles Robb wrote you and offered the support of the Commonwealth for the proposed facility. (See attached.)

On September 15, 1986, the United States Senate passed S. 1311, to authorize the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design and construct the facilities with the support in testimony of the Board of Regents. 

*The Virginia Department of Transportation has developed plans for the area's roadways to accommodate museum visitors; 

*Fairfax County and Virginia businesses were instrumental in developing the proposal to house the space shuttle Enterprise, a major ingredient in the museum project; 

*State and federal officials worked closely with the FAA to reserve 100 acres at Dulles for the construction of the museum. This property is now valued at $50,000 to $75,000 per acre.