Charlotte City Council members have agreed to approve a $32 million dollar extension for the NASCAR Hall of Fame due to open in 2010. The City Council surprisingly learned two weeks ago that the city's newest attraction was more than twenty percent over budget, yet after a ninety-minute session agreed to approve the requested amount.

Unexpected costs for construction and the price of interactive displays and exhibits forced the Hall of Fame's executives to seek additional funds from the City Council. The interactive displays alone required an estimated additional $17 million.

While the Council did approve the additional funds, not everyone was on board. The proposal was shot down by two council members. Councilman Edwin Peacock made his feelings clear by saying, "I do not ever want you all to come to us in this manner ever again."

The total price tag for the NASCAR Hall of Fame is now a staggering $195 million dollars. The money for this project is not coming directly out of the taxpayers' pockets however. A 2% tax on Mecklenburg County hotels has funded the project from the outset.

Despite being surprised by the announcement of being over-budget, Councilwoman and Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Burgess believes the money is warranted. "It should be wiz bang on day one, and this should do it."