Local arts and cultural groups, already battered by the recession, are facing more cuts next year under a preliminary $79.4 million budget unveiled by the Allegheny Regional Asset District board yesterday.

Under the proposed spending plan, most organizations will see their current RAD grants slashed by anywhere from 21/2 percent to 10 percent. In a few cases, like the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the cuts will be even deeper.

Total spending is 1 percent lower than this year's $80.3 million spending plan. Of the 89 organizations funded, one less than this year, only the Senator John Heinz History Center is slated to receive an increase. Funding will stay the same or decrease for everyone else.

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2010 RAD budget

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RAD board members blamed the cuts on declining sales tax revenues, caused in large part by the recession and high unemployment. In all but three months so far this year, sales tax revenues, the district's chief funding source, have been lower than last year. In the last four months, they have been down an average of 4.3 percent.

For next year, RAD is budgeting the same $76.6 million in sales tax revenue that it anticipates receiving this year.

"I think it's the best budget we can do with the money we have," RAD board Chairwoman Dusty Elias Kirk said.

The proposed budget cuts operating grants for regional assets like the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Phipps Conservatory, the National Aviary and the Carnegie Museums by 21/2 percent.

It freezes at the 2009 level grants to the Carnegie Library, the Allegheny County Library Association, and the city, county, and McKeesport parks. RAD board members said they did not cut funding for those regional assets because they are free to the public.

Harder hit will be organizations like the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Children's Museum, and the Pittsburgh Opera. They will see their 2009 RAD operating grants slashed by 10 percent next year.

In addition, the convention center, which received $1 million from RAD in 2009 for operations, will get half that in the proposed 2010 budget. The board offered $250,000 to the center for capital improvements. But it would get the grant only if the $250,000 is matched by VisitPittsburgh, the local tourism agency.

"That is an asset they use to try to bring conventions to this city. They need to help pay for it," said Dan Griffin, a member of the board's allocations committee.

Ms. Kirk said the board had no choice but to make cuts because of the decreases in sales tax revenues. The board used $3.5 million in reserves this year to balance the budget and plans to earmark another $2.8 million next year. The allocations committee, in recommending the spending plan, said that can't continue.

While the Carnegie Library didn't receive a cut in RAD funding, maintaining the status quo wasn't anything close to a victory. The library had campaigned for an increase of nearly $1.8 million in its $17.6 million grant in an effort to stave off potential cuts in operating hours and services and perhaps even branch closings, although those are considered a last resort.

It was hoping RAD would make up for state budget cuts that could reduce library funding by as much as 50 percent.

"Keeping us flat, I think, is an appreciation of how important libraries are. We're disappointed, but at the same time, I know what a difficult economic period it is," said Dr. Barbara K. Mistick, president and director of the Carnegie Library system.

The proposed allocation does little to stem the potential for library cuts, particularly given the uncertain state budget situation, she said.

Mary Conturo, executive director of the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority, which oversees the convention center, said she did not know how the proposed cut in RAD assistance would affect operations.

"We know that their sales tax numbers are down and that it's a tough year for them and we appreciate what they were able to give us," she added. She will talk to VisitPittsburgh about the proposed capital grant.

RAD board members increased funding to the history center under the proposed budget by $60,000 to $460,000 in recognition of its takeover of the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park. The center had requested a $100,000 increase.

The district will hold a public hearing on the budget on Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Those wishing to speak must register in advance. The board hopes to adopt a final budget in December.

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