Capitol Repair Plan In The Works
New plan emerging to fix crumbling Oklahoma Capitol
by Rick Green
Plans to fix the crumbling state Capitol appear to be advancing in the Legislature.
The House previously rejected a Senate bill for a $160 million bond measure to fix plumbing, electrical systems and parts of the building’s facade, but House leaders are now discussing a similar but somewhat-expensive proposal.
A new plan being discussed by House leaders envisions a $120 million bond measure. The bonds would be retired in 10 years to save on interest. A repair and refurbishment project of this size would be one of the largest, if not the largest project, for the Capitol, which was opened in 1917.
House Speaker Jeff Hickman says the Capitol is in “dire need” of repair, and the new plan would be less costly than previous ones.