Minnesota Capitol – 106 Years Old And Due For Some TLC

ST. PAUL  (AP) — The debate over dollars at Minnesota's Capitol turns this week to consideration of upgrades to the 106-year-old building itself.

Two bills seeking money for potential Capitol upgrades are on Tuesday's docket in the House State Government Finance Committee.

One measure seeks $6 million to enhance security in the Capitol complex and accommodate the pending construction of a light rail line that will soon head down University Avenue.

The other bill goes after $300,000 to do internal and external risk assessments of a building that has seen signs of wear. Officials would have to report on needed restoration by December.

Past efforts to get money for a large-scale Capitol renovation have run into resistance as lawmakers dealt with deficit after deficit.

The current Capitol, Minnesota's third, opened in 1905.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.