Costs of Major Minnesota Capitol Renovation Creeping Up

ST. PAUL (AP) - A major renovation of the state Capitol threatens to run $30 million over budget.

Documents released Friday to a commission overseeing the overhaul show the extra costs stem from water damage repairs, security improvements and other costs. Those overruns would increase the total cost by about 10 percent and push the project's price tag north of $300 million.

Lawmakers would have to allocate more money to do the extra work. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says paying cash may be the wised course.

The State Capitol Preservation Commission is also discussing an additional $3 million to restore historic pieces of art that line the Capitol's walls.

Construction crews started work on the century-old building last year. The renovation will be complete in 2017 if all goes as planned.