Lawmakers hear update on $291.5 million Capitol renovation; contingency and terrace repairs flagged

State budget and facilities officials updated the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee on the multi-phase renovation of the state Capitol, saying the estimated $291,500,000 project remains within cost estimates but that the contingency amount and uncovered terrace reconstruction work remain major concerns.

The update came from Holly Johnson, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, and John Hicks, secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet and state budget director, during the committee’s meeting. Johnson said, “the budget for the project is $291,500,000,” and Hicks warned the project contingency — the sum set aside for unforeseen conditions — is “only at $10,800,000” and may be insufficient given the building’s age and discoveries during investigative work.

Committee members were told the project is in the final design phase and that contractors remain engaged. Hicks said temporary legislative chambers’ substantial completion was pushed back to April 4, 2025, citing additional wiring work for voting and camera systems and the need to erect a canopy between the temporary chambers and the annex.…