Idaho Natural History Museum wants to bolster 3D digital lab

The director of the Pocatello-based Idaho Museum of Natural History says the museum for the first time this year will have traveling exhibits to areas around the state.

Leif Tapanila also told the Legislature’s budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee in his budget request on Tuesday that the museum is starting a radio show that will also be a podcast involving Idaho’s natural history.

Tapanila is seeking about $664,000 for fiscal year 2020, about $50,000 more than what was appropriated last year and about $13,000 more than recommended by Gov. Brad Little.

Lawmakers questioned a $42,500 request from the state’s general fund for specialized computers for the museum’s 3D digital lab.

Lawmakers will decide on the budget request in the coming weeks.