Resolution honors Newport Aquarium’s contributions to the economy | Business

FRANKFORT, KY (FOX19) - Representative Addia K. Wuchner, (R-Florence) Tuesday filed House Resolution 95 honoring the Newport Aquarium for their economic development contribution to Northern Kentucky and the Commonwealth.  As part of the resolution filed in the House, the Newport Aquarium sent Paula the Penguin, their ambassador from the aquarium’s Penguin Palooza exhibit. 

“The Newport Aquarium, in particular their penguin display, has been a great boon to Kentucky serving as a tourism draw for travelers up and down Interstate 75,” said Rep. Wuchner.  “The aquarium was created as part of the Kentucky Tourism Development Act passed in April 1996, and has served as the center of the successful Newport Riverfront development.” 

Newport Aquarium, a privately funded center, first opened its doors in May 1999 and later opened a $4.5 million expansion in 2004.  The Newport Aquarium was named the No. 1 aquarium in the Midwest in the Zagat Survey’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004 and the Best Rainy Day Outing in 2006 in Cincinnati Family Magazine. 

House Resolution 95, which was approved by the full House, was co-sponsored by Rep. Dennis Keene of Wilder.  The resolution and visit by Paula, along with Rick Urban, Curator of Birds and Mammals for the Newport Aquarium, to Frankfort was part of a push to promote the aquarium and its exhibits according to Rep. Wuchner. 

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