State Capitol repair bill heads to House floor
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A $221 million bonding bill for the restoration of the State Capitol building is on its way to the House floor.
Members of the House Ways and Means Committee approved the measure Tuesday on a divided voice vote. The bill would cover the cost of upgrading the structure of the building, as well as its electrical, heating and plumbing systems.
Supporters say bonding for the entire four-year project now will save the state some money. But Rep. Lyndon Carlson, DFL-Crystal, argued that the bonding authority should be phased in over time.
"I don't think anybody that I know of at least is going to argue against doing, re-doing the Capitol," he said. "It's in need of work. But when you provide the entire $221 million at this point in time, it crowds out other needed projects."
House Republicans are also proposing a separate $220 million bonding bill for other public works projects around the state. The committee discussed the bill but did not take action.
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