A trail of dirt decorated the Capitol floor from Senate research rooms through the printing press area and ending in a House hearing room after Gov. Jay Nixon toured areas that needed repair with lawmakers, bureaucrats and reporters in tow.
Cathy Brown of the Office of Administration led the tour through rooms with dirt floors and concrete walls with piping to show where the damage accumulated. Brown pointed out stalactites that resulted from water damage and multiple pieces of structural supporting steel that has been exposed and rusted. The water dripped down made soft spots of wood and warped rotted wood. A light sprinkling of white mold decorated the walls of places where politicians had to crouch to enter.
"Each day that the water continues to seep the damaged stone work is another day that the structural integrity of this iconic building weakens, and each day we fail to address these issues we add to the cost of fixing them," Nixon said.
The estimated cost for these repairs is $45 million and $75 million, Nixon said. The funds for the repair projects will be included in a "fiscally responsible" bond issue package next year, he said.
"We have retired debt from the state and the legislature has passed additional authorization for us to make strategic bond issues," Nixon said. "Couple that with the historic low interest rates, and the outstanding AAA credit rating we have, and this the most cost-effective time that we can make these necessary long-term investments."
Last year Senate Bill 723 increased the bonding authority for state buildings by $400 million. The Capitol's heating, venting and air-conditioning system (HVAC) has already undergone repairs that cost $14 million. There is also the recent $4.2 million spent for design innovations and the $1.4 million in repairs to the steps and windows, to keep them from leaking, Nixon added.
"We have got water infiltration that is undermining the foundation of the building, and it is going to cave in upon itself if something is not done in the not-too-distant future," said Senate Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin. "Placing people to work where there is mold problems and asbestos problems, I mean we could not do that in a private business. So how can we do that in a public place?"
The largest part of the repairs will be under the steps of the south side of the building, Nixon said. During these repairs, many people will have to relocate their offices and parking under the Capitol will be limited, he said.
"This is not something that is the most popular subject to talk about, but it is a part of our infrastructure conversation and this is the people's building," said Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City. "It is about to turn 100 years old, and I think it is very important that we address the issues to keep it going for the next 100 years. ... It is not a partisan issue to be able to try to keep this building going for the next 100 years."
Nixon also mentioned that being in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and trying to create additional space for the Capitol are also a part of the ongoing conversation between himself and lawmakers for Capitol improvements. He then added that the discussed repair projects are significant and that he is confident that they will remain a high priority for legislators this session.