Mid-Iowa Environmental Group Inc. donated asbestos removal from the observatory. Waldinger Corporation will donate a new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system that will eliminate the need for a boiler. Mid-American Energy plans to donate a gas line. ABC Electric will update electric systems at a cost. Schwartz said astronomy students use the observatory as a laboratory.
Students assist the public in using the telescopes at community programs.
The members of SPS visit the observatory every week to support the lectures. Huston said he hopes Drake will be true to its word in continuing to support the observatory. There's citywide support and interest in it.