Army-based center could be closed this summer

ATLANTA - The National Science Center, an arm of the Army based at Fort Gordon near Augusta, might have to close this summer if it&#39;s annual state funding of $1.5 million isn&#39;t continued. <br> <br> Governor Perdue has recommended that the contract not be renewed because of the state&#39;s projected $620 million revenue deficit. <br> <br> In a letter to Republican state Senator Don Cheeks, NSC Chairman and Chief Executive Joe Edwards said shutting the center could be a factor in Fort Gordon&#39;s future during the next nationwide round of military base closings. <br> <br> Edwards wrote, ``Sadly, with the cancellation of the $1.5 million state contract, through which our schoolchildren throughout the state attend NSC at no charge, the organization will close this summer.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The center offers math and science instruction to children and teachers, partly as a way to recruit for the military. <br> <br> Its Army instructors travel in two tractor-trailer trucks, setting up demonstrations at schools across the country. They also operate the Fort Discovery hands-on museum at Riverwalk Augusta.