County gives final approval to build Fresno Aquarium

FRESNO, Calif. -- After more than 12 years of planning and fundraising, organizers of the Fresno Aquarium say they have received official approval to begin building.

The proposed site is at Grantland near Highway 99 in Northwest Fresno. Organizers say they received a letter today from Fresno County -- stating the approval application is final since no appeal was filed.

In 2013, the aquarium raised more than $5 million to build a 6,000 square foot basement to house quarantine tanks for water testing and raising baby fish. Organizers now say they have two years to build and comply with all county conditions of approval.