Lucas Secures $300,000 for Pawnee Buffalo Theater

LUCAS SECURES $300,000 FOR PAWNEE BUFFALO THEATER

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas has secured $300,000 in federal funding for the renovation of the Buffalo Theater in Pawnee.

Lucas requested the funding be included in a recent appropriations bill. The funding was included in the legislation that passed the House and Senate and has been signed into law by President Bush.

"This project will help stimulate business and community activity in downtown Pawnee," Lucas said. "This is a great example of community partnerships coming together to make local improvements a reality."

The funds will be used for a partnership between the City of Pawnee and the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma to purchase and renovate the Buffalo Theater, located on 6th Street in downtown Pawnee. The theater will showcase local arts for the Pawnee Nation Academy, it will serve as a community auditorium and civic center, and a venue for movie viewing.

The renovation will include preservation of the front exterior, maintaining the integrity of the historic Pawnee downtown district. The interior will be fully renovated with stadium seating, state-of-the-art sound and recording equipment, a retractable movie screen, a stage, dressing rooms and other amenities.

"The Buffalo Theater will provide a wonderful benefit to the people of Pawnee," Lucas said. "I look forward to someday attending community events in this refurbished historic landmark."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ok03_lucas/buffalotheater.html