WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Kennedy Center won't be building a plaza and two new buildings because expected federal funding has fallen through.
Officials with the performing arts center had hoped that money to help pay for the $650 million project would be included in the transportation bill that was passed by Congress last Friday. But budget constraints forced lawmakers to pass the package without the $400 million federal contribution.
Center officials told The Washington Post the project has been postponed indefinitely.
The plaza would have included broad cover over the Whitehurst Freeway, with pools, trees and paths for pedestrians and bikers that would lead back to the National Mall.
New York City-based architect Rafael Vinoly would have designed the two buildings, one dedicated to educational exhibits on the performing arts and the other for rehearsal space.
The Kennedy Center's funding failure makes it the second high-profile Washington project to be canceled this summer. Architect Frank Gehry's proposed addition to the Corcoran Gallery of Art was dropped because of financial difficulties in May.
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