Missouri’s aging Capitol could soon see renovations if Governor Jay Nixon signs a bill that could pay for them.
The Missouri State Capitol (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)
The Missouri legislature has passed a bonding measure of about $40-million that would pay for Capitol repairs. Assistant Chief Clerk and Capitol Commission Chair Dana Miller said work has been needed for a long time.
“Based on the estimates received by the Office of Administration, that $40 million was the amount that was needed to repair the facade of the building,” said Miller. “The exterior, the stonework, and then also to dig out and go down to the substructure into the foundation and fix all of the water infiltration that’s going on below the grade.”
Miller said renovations could begin soon.
“This is a one year CI bill, as opposed to in the past where most of our capital improvement bills have been two year appropriations,” said Miller. “It would go into effect July 1 and then it would run through June 30 of 2016.”
Miller thinks it’s important to preserve the Capitol.
“Our forefathers, when they built that building, they were so proud of it,” said Miller. “The voters of Missouri overwhelming voted not only to keep the Capitol in Jefferson City, but to approve the bonding package to build a phenomenal tribute to democracy.”
Governor Nixon, who in his State of the State address asked lawmakers to pass a bonding plan for building repairs, is expected to sign the proposal.
