$22M slated for Mesa Verde visitors center

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK -- Mesa Verde National Park will get $22 million for a proposed visitor and curatorial center near the park's entrance under a funding bill passed by the U.S. House.

Superintendent Larry Weise said $11.6 million will be used for the curatorial center and $10.5 million for the visitors center, both which will be housed in one building.

U.S. Rep. John Salazar said the money is included in a funding bill for the Interior Department, Environment Protection Agency and other related agencies.

Construction could begin next year if approved by the Senate.

Weise and Salazar announced the funding on Wednesday. The money is in addition to the park's $25 million in stimulus funding for a water line, roads, and renewable energy projects.