Nassau's Cradle of Aviation Museum is in desperate financial strait, according to the Nassau County comptroller. After crunching the number, Comptroller Howard Weitzman says the museum has just enough cash to stay airborne for only eight more weeks. Weitzman and County Legislator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) say the museum's president and board aren't getting the job done when it comes to private fundraising. Museum President Eric Ricioppo, however, defends his leadership saying what's dragging down the Cradle is old debt of almost $2 million. He's urging a million dollar yearly subsidy from the county. Nassau's already promised a half million dollars this year if the museum meets specific financial benchmarks, but that may not be enough. For now, museum visitors hope a way is found to keep the cradle's doors from closing. The museum board is scheduled to meet again next Wednesday.

Related Information: The Cradle of Aviation Museum