The Central Coast Aquarium in Morro Bay, California, could reopen pending approval from Morro Bay City Council.
The council, which met on 10 March, has several months to decide whether or not it will back the project, which, according to a new feasibility study, could attract up to 66,000 visitors per year.
The study estimates that it would cost US$10 - US$12m (£8 - £10m, €9m - €11m) to transform the CCA's existing space, which closed to the public in 2018, into a new 16,000sq ft (1,500sq m) aquarium.
Concept drawings of the new aquarium were submitted to the City Council by RRM Design Group. They outline a multi-level space with 20 hands-on interactive exhibits, created by aquatic exhibit design firm Tenji, including an exhibit that extends outside and would be visible to the public from the nearby harbour walk.
A number of hands-on interactive exhibits, including wet and dry exploration tables, will be located on the first floor of the aquarium, while the second floor will house flexible classroom and meeting spaces, office areas for volunteers and administrative staff and open spaces for temporary exhibits.
"A new aquarium in Morro Bay tells the story that no other community can tell: the story of two extreme and exciting environmental contrasts where the calmness of the estuary differs drastically from the wildness of the open ocean and how marine species depend upon each environment to thrive," designers said in a statement to the council.
"The goal of the aquarium is to focus on the unique estuary and open ocean environment by providing opportunities for immersive, interactive marine science learning in order to encourage good stewardship of the estuary and the ocean now and into the future."
Christine Johnson, executive director of The CCA, said: "People miss having an aquarium, so I think keeping to a timeline that's realistic is our initial challenge."
"Timing is a large one on the city's behalf because they have a lease site that hasn't been active and I know that really does impact the businesses around the site.
"The upcoming challenge will be fundraising and grant writing to actually fund the development."
