The NSC was established by Congress in the 80s to promote interest in math, science and technology among children.

For more than 13 years the organization has been headquartered at Augusta’s Fort Discovery, where it operates a 128,000 square foot educational museum.

But NSC officials say dwindling state funds forced the organization to move to Washington D.C.

Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver says the plan comes as little surprise given the state’s budgetary woes:

"I hate to see them leave but I can understand how they were looking for other alternatives."

Fort Discovery CEO Rob Dennis says the move makes sense because it puts the NSC closer to partner agencies in the Pentagon:

"Early reports had the NSC moving to Fort Gordon after the sale of their down town Augusta property. That building has been on the market for more than a year."

Early reports had the NSC moving to Fort Gordon after the sale of their down town Augusta property.

That building has been on the market for more than a year.

Tags: education, Augusta, Washington, Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Fort Discovery, National Science Center, Rob Dennis, D.C.