The House Corrections & Institutions Committee heard a schematic presentation on Jan. 15 for a proposed State House entryway intended to improve accessibility, wayfinding and security screening at the Montpelier State House.

Presenters from the sergeant at arms’ office, Buildings and General Services and the State Curator described the project as primarily for the public: the entryway would create an identifiable single point of public entry, provide climate control and wayfinding for visitors and enable security screening during legislative sessions.

"This is where the laws are made. This is an exceptionally important building," a presenter said while describing visitor volumes and the need for better circulation. Presenters highlighted ADA concerns (the current accessible entrance funnels visitors through a loading dock that is hazardous in winter) and showed schematic images of a corridor linking the two buildings and an enclosed porte‑cochere at the east side.

Architectural consultants (Freeman French Freeman referenced) briefed the committee on an approach that clearly differentiates new work from historic fabric; the project team said the State Historic Preservation Officer has been engaged and will participate in review because the State House is a National Historic Landmark.

Presenters showed a baseline schematic with an estimated cost of $18,600,000 for the entryway and noted optional programming add‑ons of roughly $1–3 million. They said available funding so far (design and preconstruction) has come from ARPA grants and that no construction funding has been secured; the team requested a capital‑bill appropriation to move from design to construction. The schematic schedule, if funded, would complete design/preconstruction by May 2027 and require about 21 months for construction, with an optimistic opening in 2029.

The committee asked about parking, mechanical systems and staffing for screening; presenters said deliveries would continue to the west side, mechanicals would tie into the HVAC project's courtyard outcrop and screening would likely be conducted by unarmed security staff (not Capitol Police) during session months. Members thanked presenters and agreed to invite BGS project managers and additional stakeholders for more detailed follow‑up on budget, constructability and stakeholder concerns.