Downey gets $800K to restore mock shuttle

DOWNEY – The operating budget approved by California senators on Monday included $800,000 for the City of Downey to restore its space shuttle mockup.

Built by Rockwell in 1972, the wooden structure was used “to help validate the size of items and rehearse wire runs for actual orbiter construction.”

The City of Downey took ownership of the mockup after Rockwell and Boeing closed its Downey facility.

Downey officials have said in the past they hoped to showcase the mockup as part of an expansion of the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

The $800,000 was part of millions of dollars allocated to local projects, said State Sen. Bob Archuleta.

“What was secured in the budget will help fund supportive housing for homeless veterans. It will help finance improvements to our parks and recreation districts. And it will fund cancer research that could potentially save the life of a loved one,” said Archuleta. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to deliver something for everyone in my district.”