South Carolina Aquarium considers upgrades

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Aquarium is considering almost $69 million in improvements to make the aquarium more inviting and interactive.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported (http://bit.ly/USPFs ) the aquarium has released a master plan with possible changes including a walkway through a shark tank, a butterfly garden and a huge whale suspended from the ceiling.

The price of the renovations equals the original $69 million cost of the aquarium on the Charleston waterfront that opened in 2000.

Officials say the changes would be made in phases over the next 10 years. Money would come from private contributions and from individual donors, corporations and foundations.

Last year, the facility paid off the original construction costs.

___

Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com