Republican legislators in Onondaga County say they want additional funding for Inner Harbor Aquarium construction to come from a public-private partnership rather than appropriations.

In a press release Wednesday, the GOP caucus of the county legislature said that "costs of building materials, labor and engineering have increased significantly" since the project was approved. The aquarium was proposed in late 2021.

"The original vote for the Aquarium is history; the project is well underway, and all approved funds are committed," said Legislature Chairman Tim Burtis in a statement. "We want to be clear that the legislative branch does not intend to approve additional funding for the Aquarium's new price tag."

In December, the Republican caucus delayed a vote on more funding; at the time, they said their aim was to keep the amount the county pays at $85 million. New estimates at the time said it will cost $100 million.

The GOP caucus also said a local law will be proposed to allow a search for donations and sponsorships for the construction, and that the legislature's ways and means committee will consider the proposal next week.