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-- $3,528,000 for further Bicentennial and NASM needs, including related protection and custodial support,

-- $2,720,000 for regular program and support purposes.

Despite the sizeable increase in the total, it is substantially less than the amount requested and is quite limiting in many areas.

Other OMB allowances for operations provide a slightly higher amount for SSIE and for continuing the Foreign Currency Program at the current year's reduced level of $2,000,000 of which $1,000,000 is for continued support of the Philae project.

[[underlined]]CONSTRUCTION:[[/underlined]] With the amounts shown in Exhibit A (FY 1975 - $17,910,000) construction of the National Air & Space Museum is proceeding on schedule and within budget to a public opening in July 1976. Initial occupancy will take place this spring. Good progress is also being made at the National Zoological Park on the new lion and tiger exhibit, renovation of the Monkey House, and enlargement and improvement of the Elephant House yards and Bird House plaza. The renovation of the Arts and Industries Building is on schedule.

[[underlined]]For FY 1976,[[/underlined]] the OMB total allowance of $14,017,000 provides the final $3,000,000 to fund the $40,000,000 NASM construction contract authority provided in FY 1973; $9,550,000 to continue the renovation program at the Zoo; and $1,467,000 for general restoration, renovation, and minor improvement of other buildings and facilities. The allowance for Zoo construction will allow planning to be completed and construction to start on the general services and parking facility and on the lower Rock Creek Valley bear exhibits; planning to be continued on other projects; and a program of repairs and maintenance to be sustained. Other restoration and renovation efforts