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[[underlined]] NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM EXTENSION [[/underlined]]

Drawing the Regents' attention to the following report, the Secretary commented that a number of recent developments have suggested that the Smithsonian should seek authorization for the planning and design of the Extension, leaving until later the matter of an authorization for construction and equipment. The Secretary also noted that members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation had written to him, and to the Regents, restating their determination to site the Extension of the National Air and Space Museum at Denver's Stapleton Airport. In response, a number of Regents spoke in favor of adhering to the decision reached in January to locate the Extension at Dulles Airport. 

There ensued a general discussion about the financial implications for various aspects of planning. While sentiment was expressed that the Extension be of distinguished architecture and its design, therefore, should be publicly competed on a national scale, there was the countervailing view that the first priority should be the protection of the collections -- especially in times of financial austerity. It was recognized that the purposes of the Extension could largely be met by the clever utilization of essentially standard, modern hangar structures, which are perfectly attractive in an airport setting. When questioned whether it was sensible to seek authorization for planning in a time of fiscal belt-tightening, Dr. Harwit cited the extraordinary costs of restoring aircraft that have been stored outside and the need to provide shelter for various important air and space artifacts as soon as possible. 

The Regents took no position with respect to Senator Dole's suggestion that the Extension could be named in honor of former President Eisenhower. At the conclusion of their discussion, the Regents suggested revisions to the proposed motion and draft bill and approved the following: