The City of Macon is giving a half-million dollars to the Sports and Music Halls of Fame. The money is meant to help the two museums stay put.

Macon will pay the money over a three year period. The request came from a local group called “Save the Halls.” They’re making a bid to the state to keep the official state museums in Macon.

Earlier this year lawmakers called on the halls to become financially independent and signed a resolution allowing other communities to make a bid to have the museum’s moved elsewhere.

Save the Halls volunteer Mike Ford says hundreds of residents have signed petitions and put "Save the Halls" bumper stickers on their cars.

“Macon and Bibb County are very serious about retaining the Halls of Fame here and showing the support necessary to keep them here.”

Other cities that have expressed interest include Athens and Dahlonega.

Tags: Macon, Georgia Music hall of Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame