A multi-purpose center that would expose area youth to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and aviation is a step or two closer to taking off.

The Washington City Council, during its meeting Monday, voted unanimously to lease land to the Beaufort County Police Activities League so it can build the center.

Al Powell, president of the Beaufort County Police Activities League, presented drawings and other information about the STEM and aviation center at Washington-Warren Airport to the City Council during its meeting Monday. Powell also announced that $75,000 has been received to help pay for the project, which includes erecting a prefabricated structure near the airport’s new terminal building, which was dedicated last spring.

Last summer, the council authorized the city manager and city attorney to draft an agreement allowing BC PAL to build and operate the facility on airport property, with the understanding the construction and operation of the center would not require a contribution from the city and if the facility ceases to be used for its stated purpose it would become the property of the city. The city’s Airport Advisory Board recommended approval of the center. The proposal has been reviewed and cleared by the N.C. Division of Aviation.

“We are currently looking at several other credible state and private foundations, organizations, that have indicated interest in funding us. Specifically, we already have $75,000 in the bank,” Powell told the council.

Powell said BC PAL hopes to have the center built and operating by June 7, in time for BC PAL’s summer programs. The center would allow BC PAL to serve three times as many children as it serves now, Powell noted.

Councilman Doug Mercer asked Powell if front of the center could have a brick façade so it better compliments the new terminal building at the airport. Powell said that could be arranged.

Powell said Phil Lanier, a Federal Aviation Administration representative who reviewed the project, has no objections to it because of the center’s location being outside the airport fence and the program’s focus being on aviation-based activities.