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Crumbling Minn. Capitol reaches 'tipping point'

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Weathered marble
In this photo made Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 in St. Paul, Minn., Wayne Waslaski holds a chunk of weathered marble from the outside of the State Capitol. Though funding remains a question, the Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission recently proposed a $241 million renovation plan which would include a complete overhaul of the building's inefficient mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
AP Photo/Jim Mone

By ALEXANDRA TEMPUS
Associated Press

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Capitol building is in dire need of repair soon, but budget pressures in the Legislature are making the expensive upgrade difficult.

The Capitol Preservation Commission has recommended a $241 million renovation plan. The building is one of just a few in the country to have not undergone a full-scale renovation. The commission says lack of updates to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems pose health and safety risks.

If approved, the plan could start later this year and take up to five years to complete. But some lawmakers say some improvements are more urgent than others.

Rep. Dean Urdahl of Grove City has drafted two bills with different options to fund the project. But no money for the project is included in Gov. Mark Dayton's bonding proposal.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Gallery
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Weathered marble
In this photo made Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 in St. Paul, Minn., Wayne Waslaski holds a chunk of weathered marble from the outside of the State Capitol. Though funding remains a question, the Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission recently proposed a $241 million renovation plan which would include a complete overhaul of the building's inefficient mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
AP Photo/Jim Mone
2 of 2
Crumbling Capitol
In this photo made Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 in St. Paul, Minn., two people stand in the rotunda at the State Capitol. Though funding remains a question, the Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission recently proposed a $241 million renovation plan would improve ventilation in the commons areas of the building, restoration of the stone exterior and would also include a complete overhaul of the building's inefficient mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
AP Photo/Jim Mone