By Hannah Hall |

Posted: Tue 6:57 PM, Aug 14, 2018

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) — Waynesboro is one step closer to bringing a branch of the Virginia Museum of Natural History downtown.

Artist’s rendering of museum in Waynesboro

On Monday night, city council approved a resolution to provide one million dollars in incentives for the museum.

The resolution is dependent on if the museum receives needed funding from the state. If the museum does receive the funding, the city will give the museum direct financial contributions, in-kind support and property.

City council passed similar measures in 2015 and 2016, which officials said helps show the museum and the General Assembly that the city is committed to the project.

“City council feels this is a very worthwhile venture for education, for tourism, to help revitalize downtown, to create a regional, cultural amenity,” said Greg Hitchin, the director of economic development and tourism.

The museum’s board of trustees is meeting scheduled for Saturday will decide on a location for the museum. They’ve already decided the branch will be located downtown. Two possible options are the Arch Avenue municipal parking lot or 518 West Main Street.

Earlier this year, the museum received $250,000 from the state to help with engineering and architecture work. It is expected that a contract will be awarded for that work within the next 30 days.

Waynesboro City Council, the Economic Development Authority, the Center for Coldwater Restoration and staff have been working with the museum since 2011 to bring a location to Waynesboro.

It’s expected that the branch would attract between 45,000 and 85,000 visitors to the area.