With a $2 million commitment by the city of Grande Prairie, construction of a dinosaur museum is “ever so close.”

This is according to the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Initiative executive director Brian Brake, who was elated after the city made the decision during its budget review on Friday.

“This takes everything to a new level for us,” Brake said. “They’ve solidified their support when we needed it the most.”

The commitment does have some strings attached. The funds will be spread out over five years, and the money is contingent on the construction starting.

“We’re ready to back that up with funds, we just need to know the museum will actually go ahead before we release those funds,” said Mayor Bill Given.

This announcement brings the city’s total commitment up to $3.5 million, making it the third largest contributor to the project.

Those council members in favour of the funding reiterated the projects potential to greatly increase the city’s economic activity, and benefit local schools and the college.

Most recently, IMAX Theatres has officially expressed interest in building one of its widescreen theatres adjacent to the museum.

The fundraising efforts for the museum remain in overdrive, with the County of Grande Prairie making a decision if it will contribute $5 million to the project during that council’s budget review next month. The M.D. of Greenview has also contributed $250,000.

As of Friday afternoon, on online fundraising effort by the museum has raised just under $20,000, and has a goal of $1 million.

Indiegogo.com/curriemuseum site will be open for the two months as it tries to reach that high goal.

graeme.bruce@sunmedia.ca