Big step for Capitol renovation

Work on the Idaho Capitol building is complete.

Tools

Story Published: Nov 12, 2009 at 7:12 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 12, 2009 at 7:12 PM PDT

By Scott Logan

BOISE - If all goes well Thursday, contractors will formally sign off that substantial construction has been completed in the Idaho Capitol renovation project and, in effect, the Capitol will be handed back to the state with the legislature set to move in during the weeks ahead.

Through two legislative sessions, 2008 and 2009, the Idaho State Capitol has been out of service for a long-anticipated and much-needed $122 million renovation which is now nearing the end.

"It's very unusual for a project of this size to come in on budget and on time," said Legislative Services Director Jeff Youtz.

During the interim, state lawmakers convened in the old Ada County Courthouse, now known as the Capitol Annex: cramped, but efficient.
"It did work well," said Youtz. "But we're ready to move back home into the Capitol building."

There's a specific schedule and cost for re-occupying the statehouse.

The move carries an overall $37,000 price tag with $26,000 dollars going to re-insert the legislature over the weekend of Nov. 20.

"Then, over the course of the next few weeks, the governor's office, secretary of state, treasurer, lieutenant governor will move back in as well." said Youtz.

"For the governor's office, that's Dec. 4th, 5th and 6th, over the weekend," said Jon Hanian, press secretary for Gov. Butch Otter.

Staffers at the governor's office are already packing up, getting ready to bid a fond farewell to their temporary quarters in the Borah post office building.

"These offices (at the Borah building) have been ample," said Hanian. "In fact, most staffers gained office size. In fact, the only person who lost office size was the governor."
That, of course, will change when the governor returns to his renovated office in the newly restored state capitol.

The public will have to wait a little for a look inside the renovated statehouse.
Doors will open for visitors and events after a Jan. 9th re-dedication ceremony.

More local news

Current Weather

Current Temp 42.0 °F

Fair

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.