Beaufort County Police Activities League is seeing progress on its Aviation, Technology and Fitness Center, but it’s looking for more help in the final steps.

Al Powell, BCPAL president, said the organization has raised more than $175,000 to date, but still needs about $45,000 more to complete the project. Powell hosted a short walking tour of the construction site for the organization’s board members on Saturday.

BCPAL, which strives to expose youth to careers in science, technology, engineering and math, broke ground on the center in September 2016. It will be located across from Washington-Warren Airport.

The center will include a simulator room, where students can learn about flight and boating, a multipurpose classroom, a fitness center and a laboratory to construct airplane models and other items.

The project’s original bid came in under $200,000, but Powell said unexpected costs related to moving sand and the wet conditions after Hurricane Matthew led to a higher overall total. Powell said the organization had to dip into its savings funds to help cover the costs, and it is also looking to build up those funds again.

“The foundation costs were four times more than what was predicted,” he said. “We’re trying our best to recover the $45,000 we are behind.”

Among the project’s contributors are: the Winston-Salem Foundation, $75,000; the Cannon Foundation, $35,000; Grady-White Boats, $15,000; Beaufort County United Way; PotashCorp-Aurora, $30,000; Lowe’s Home Improvement, supply discounts; Builders FirstSource; and a $160,000 grant from the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund for program expenses.

Powell said there are enough funds to bring the project to 80-percent completion. Next steps include electrical wiring, plumbing and flooring. Furniture for the center has already been purchased using some of the Burroughs-Wellcome money, he said.

Powell said he is hoping the building will be completed, with the community’s help, and ready for use to host BCPAL’s summer camp.

“We’re on track to have it happen by June,” he said.

Donations may be mailed to BCPAL, 310 W. Main St., suite 202D, Washington, N.C. 27889. For more information, visit www.beaufortpal.org, or call Al Powell on his cellphone at 609-412-9743.