Costs Of Major Minnesota Capitol Renovation Creeping Up
ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- A major renovation of the State Capitol could go at least $30 million dollars over budget.
That's after workers who were removing parts of the century-old building discovered more damage than expected.
The State Capitol Preservation Commission reported Friday that construction workers checking under the Capitol's granite steps found water damage so extensive, it needs to be repaired before continuing.
The price tag: $17.3 million.
"A project of this magnitude, a building of this age and size-- it's not surprising to me," said Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, a Democrat. "It's disappointing, but not surprising that there are unforseen factors."
It's not the only cost over-run: there's a $6 million bill for added security measures and $3.5 million to preserve one-of-a-kind Capitol art--art so rare, the commission attached a replacement value to it of $987 million.
"A billion dollars for the estimated value of the art, for a relatively small number of pieces? Yes, that's surprising," said Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City.
The cost-overruns so far total $34 million dollars.
Pushing the cost of the 5 year project over $300 million dollars.
Money well spent, said Senator Tom Bakk, the DFL Senate Majority Leader.
"I think when Minnesotans see that we need another $30 million to really, really make the capitol something that they are proud of -- something that from the outside looks good and make sure the water's not leaking through the stairs. They'll understand that," he said.
