Howes Backs Capitol Restoration Bill

The Minnesota House of Representatives fell one vote shy of passing a Bonding Bill to restore and repair the State Capitol building Thursday. 

11 Democrats joined 69 Republicans in support of the renovations.  The bill needed 81 to pass because borrowing is required.

The 221 million dollar bill calls for significant restoration work over four years. Chunks of cement - some as heavy as 20 pounds- have fallen from the exterior, while plaster and trim have eroded and broken off on the inside.

Representative Larry Howes (R-Walker) chairs the House Capital Investment Committee, and says doing the project all at once - rather than on a piece-meal approach - will save money and cause fewer disruptions. He added that the bill is a high priority for Governor Mark Dayton.