Statehouse architect, contractor project 15 percent inflation for renovations
5:49 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Work on the Statehouse renovations has uncovered lots of historic hidden treasures.
But restoring those hidden treasures is costing you millions of dollars.
And now, with a spike in food and oil prices, the contractor for the project informed lawmakers...
“It looks like it's going to be about 15 percent inflation for 2008,” said Jim Miller, JE Dunn Construction.
Jim Miller with JE Dunn Construction says it doesn't impact current projects.
But, House Speaker Melvin Neufeld says it could in the near future.
“The north wing, of course, is problematic with the project inflation, which means we're going to overrun the budget significantly,” Neufeld said.
In the past, the budget has increased because of major enhancements to the original plan, such as adding the underground parking garage, new offices and a copper dome.
The north wing includes the visitor’s center, which was also a late addition to the budget.
Neufeld says they have no idea how much the north wing construction will cost. We asked Neufeld what impact this is going to have on taxpayers.
He said, “At this point, the Legislature is not appropriating any general fund money on this project and what it really means is how much debt the state has.”
The state is short $61 million in taxes it didn't collect last fiscal year.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius has asked each state agency to trim spending by up to two percent to make up the difference.
And if the state gets too tight on money, Neufeld says it's a possibility renovations may be forced to put on hold.
If they stay on track, Statehouse renovations are expected to be complete by 2011.
Story Background
- State short of money, Capitol renovations continue (07-01-2008)
- Scaffolding heralds work on Statehouse exterior (04-21-2008)
- Renovation price tag keeps growing (12-05-2007)
- Statehouse renovations: What are your tax dollars paying for? (11-07-2007)
- Capitol makeover reveals stunning qualities (02-27-2006)
Comments
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Jul. 10, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)parkay (anonymous)
What we can't afford, we don't spend. Mark it, live by it, or be defeated in the next election by it.
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