South Davis County officials are requesting $300,000 from a legislative committee to build a museum in Bountiful.

The museum is expected to cost about $1.5 million to build, Collinwood said.

The Bountiful city council recently approved contributing $750,000 toward the 14,388-square-foot museum, which would be built at the city complex.

Any money needed after the city and state contributions are accounted for would come from private donations. So far the committee has raised $100,000 in cash and pledges, Collinwood said.

Having the community donate part of the funding gives residents ownership of the museum, Collinwood said.

Bountiful City will maintain the grounds around the museum. The museum will have a room large enough to accommodate groups for such events as public lectures and family reunions, Collinwood said.

Construction is expected to begin May 2009, said Councilman Tom Tolman.

"The museum will provide hands-on activities for kids," Tolman said.

Many people are surprised to learn the South Davis area was the second community settled after pioneers settled the Salt Lake area, Collinwood said.

Displays in the museum will include North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, West Bountiful and Bountiful. At one time the four cities were one, he said. The displays, historical documents and artifacts will represent people of all faiths, races and cultures, Collinwood said. It will also include a display and information about the American Indians who lived there before the pioneers settled the area.

"The history of the area needs to be told and we're the generation with the link to the past," Tolman said. "It needs to be done and done now because if we don't do it, it won't get done."

The subcommittee took the request under advisement and will decide later whether to recommend it to the full committee.