NEW ORLEANS -- A $42 million project at the Stennis Space Center has achieved liftoff after a long delay.

Community leaders on Thursday celebrated the official groundbreaking for the "Infinity" science, technology and visitors center in Hancock County, Miss.

When complete, the 72,000-square-foot facility will also house the National Hurricane Museum, built where hurricanes Katrina and Camille made their landfall.

Infinity will invite visitors to explore three galleries, each with a different theme. NASA provided several million dollars in funding for the project, with remaining funds coming from separate public and private efforts.

Those involved with the project hope it will draw more than 300,000 visitors annually. Groundbreaking was initially set for 2005, with a target opening date in 2007. Planners now hope to have Infinity ready for the public sometime in 2010.