ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Ithaca Science Center announced on Tuesday, April 15th that roughly $500,000 in already federally approved grants has been clawed back. According to the Science Center, only $100,000 of the money had been spent. 

"The loss of these grants is devastating. These grants were vital to extending that reach, particularly to rural communities that are often overlooked,” said Michelle Kortenaar, executive director of the Ithaca Science Center. 

The money was set to come from two federally awarded grants from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. According to the Science Center, funds from the IMLS are doled out on a reimbursement basis, meaning requests for payments submitted since April 1st, will likely go unpaid. 

The grant money had been earmarked for two projects. The first was an initiative designed to create better access for STEM enrichment in rural areas. The program would have given out science kits and training to libraries across the Southern Tier. 

The second grant was for enhancements to the Outdoor Science Park. The money would have been new experiences for visitors of all ages. 

“Museums like ours are essential community anchors,” Kortenaar said, adding, “We rely on federal funding to deliver transformative educational experiences. Without that support, it becomes significantly harder to reach the families who need us most.”

According to the Science Center, it's influence goes well beyond Ithaca, with 105,000 annual visitors.