Capitol renovations starting soon

Governor Nixon and several law makers took a tour of the capitol basement pointing some of the structural damage issues that need to be addressed.

Lawmakers efforts to repair several areas of the capitol has been a bipartisan effort.

“I support the Governor’s initiative, I support both the republicans and democrats in the house and senate to make the required investment to make this a safe place,” said Senate Minority Floor Leader, Joe Kevin.

Both democrats and republican leaders said something needs to be done soon.

“We’ve got water infiltration that’s undermining the foundation of the building that’s going to cave in upon itself if something is not done in the not too distant future,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader, Ron Richard.

Governor Jay Nixon said they have already put the repairs off too long.

“Each day we wait to address these issues we add the ultimate cost of fixing them,” said Governor Nixon.

So far, they have put 14 million dollars into capitol repairs.

Nixon said they estimate another 40 to 70 million dollars to finish the job.

Parts of the capitol are eroded, there is water damage and humidity issues.

Senator Mike Kehoe said the capitol is the people’s building and it needs to be maintained, as the building is about to turn one hundred years old.

“I think it’s very important we address the issues to keep it going for the next one hundred years,” said Senator Mike Kehoe.

Governor Nixon said each year over 430 thousand people visit the capitol and that is just another reason the repairs need to get underway.