DIA Hopes For New Tax To Keep Doors Open
DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit Institute of Art is currently facing a grim financial situation that is threatening to close its doors. The 85-year-old institution is in need of a millage approval to help keep things running smoothly.
Early suggestions call for a millage approval of .2 in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties that would raise $23 million a year for the DIA.
Detroit City Councilmen Gary Brown is suggesting that everyone living in the region and not just Detroiters, do their part to help save one of Detroit's most historic landmarks.
"The DIA may be in the city of Detroit, we may own it, but it's the region's DIA," Brown said.
He also told WWJ that if residents from Detroit to Pontiac pass the millage, it would cost each house hold only about $20 each year.
Councilman Brown is currently touring several cities outside Detroit to help spread awareness of the need for the approval. Brown believes informing much of the region of the DIA's financial problems is important in bringing the DIA back to its feet.
"There has to be a campaign that goes on to the region... talking about the importance of supporting our cultural institutions, not only the DIA, but the zoo, the historical museum and the African-American museum," he said.
Brown believes that the DIA will get the planned millage tax on the ballot sometime in November.
