Gov. Nixon withholds, then releases $130 million from budget to repair Capitol

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has given the go-ahead to spend $132 million on improvements to the Capitol and other state facilities.

Nixon had put a hold on the money when the 2014 budget took effect last July. But the governor said Friday he’s releasing the money because of an improving economy.

The money includes $28.5 million for repairs at the state Capitol, which has been plagued by water leaks, and $12.5 million for improvements at state parks.

It also includes $38 million for the design and construction of a state office building and the renovation of the Missouri Department of Transportation headquarters. Lawmakers had envisioned a new building. But Nixon’s administration plans to instead use the money to renovate existing facilities.