Committee advances Capitol renovation bill

CHEYENNE -- A powerful legislative committee unanimously endorsed a plan to spend $269 million to renovate the State Capitol and overhaul the adjacent Herschler Building.

The Legislature's Management Council, made up largely of legislative leaders, voted Friday to sponsor a bill that would pay for the work over several years.

The proposal includes about $113 million for a long-discussed renovation of the State Capitol.

Lawmakers have talked for more than a decade of the need to repair and modernize the historic landmarks electrical, heating, cooling, fire suppression and smoke filtration systems.

The renovation also would repair damage to the dome and exterior walls, bring the building into compliance with various state and federal codes, and make other changes to restore or maintain its historically significant features.

The legislation would also pay for $86 million worth of construction work to renovate and expand the Herschler Building.

This would include expanding and overhauling the underground connector between the two buildings and constructing a four-story addition to the Herschler Buildings north side.

About $40 million would also be needed to pay for furniture, fixtures and other non-construction costs, such as extra engineering or architectural work, on the two buildings.

Consultants also are recommending a $20 million contingency fund.

Lawmakers have about $100 million in a special account reserved for the Capitol and related projects.

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Committee advances Capitol renovation bill