Gov. Nixon wants capitol building improvements

Gov. Jay Nixon is backing a bonding package to pay for repairs to Missouri’s century-old Capitol building and other government and university facilities.

Nixon got a firsthand look at some of the needed repairs Monday. He walked through the mud underneath the Capitol’s driveway and used his fingers to snap off one of the many skinny stalactites that have formed from water leaks.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a measure authorizing up to $600 million of bonds for repairs or renovations at state facilities and college campuses. But little has been done with that, because not many specific projects were included in a separate budget bill passed by lawmakers.

Nixon wants lawmakers to approve a bonding project list during the 2015 session.