Mass MoCa in North Adams, Massachusetts is a step closer to a big payout from the state that could help the museum double its size.

A $24.4 million grant for Mass MoCa was approved by the state’s House of Representatives last week. Pittsfield State Senator Ben Downing says there’s a very good chance the funds will pass through the senate, but timing is crucial. This is Governor Deval Patrick’s last year in office.

“We know we have an ally in the corner office,” Downing says, “so I think it will not take much to convince governor Patrick that this is a worthy investment that the state ought to make.”

The money would combine with $30 million in private funds to let the contemporary art museum double its existing gallery space. Museum director Joe Thompson says the project – along with the nearby Clark Art Institute’s own expansion opening in July – will add up to increased tourist dollars for the region.