State capitol fix-up project continues to grow in size and scope

PIERRE | Ever start a remodeling project that just kept getting bigger and bigger? Thats what is under way in the Legislatures chambers on the third and fourth floors of the South Dakota Capitol.

The work was triggered by the stained-glass rehabilitation in the rotunda, over the grand staircase and in the ceilings above the Senate and House of Representatives.

The rebuilt frames carrying freshly cleaned glass began going back in place in the past week and will be finished by Nov. 1 for the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of statehood.

The two stories of scaffolding necessary to reach the glass in the legislative chambers required moving the 35 desks in the Senate and the 70 desks in the House.

With the desks moved, the Legislatures Executive Board decided to proceed with installation of new communication cabling to each desks spot. That work begins Monday, Sept. 15, and is scheduled to finish Sept. 26.

The new system features snap-link connections so desks can be moved as needed in the future without severing the cables.

The vendor, International Roll Call, will send technicians back to put in audio equipment starting Oct. 6 and with completion set for Oct. 17.

While the desks were moved, the state Bureau of Administration cleaned the House chambers carpet earlier this month. Cleaning is planned for the Senate carpet Sept. 24-25.

State officials didnt know whether the carpets needed to be replaced and wanted to see how they looked after cleaning.

It has been decided it is not acceptable, Lou Adamson, a member of the Legislative Research Council, told lawmakers on the Executive Board at their meeting Sept. 9.

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State capitol fix-up project continues to grow in size and scope