During this legislative session the General Assembly passed three measures that will provide monies for improvements, construction at colleges, veterans homes and state parks. House Bills 17, 18 and 19 will provide bonding funding for capital improvement projects at universities, state buildings and state parks.

There was $160 million allocated for colleges and universities, and another $105 million would go to needs at other state-owned buildings such as the seven veterans' homes. Approximately $1.2 million will go for the repairs to Knob Noster State Park.

In 2014 the governor joined members of the Missouri General Assembly to discuss the need to make critical repairs and renovations to the Missouri State Capitol to address deteriorating stonework on the exterior of the Capitol and other much needed repairs to ensure the safety of those who work and visit our Capitol.
Funding for construction of the current state Capitol was approved in 1911 and the building was completed in 1917. The Missouri State Capitol is a 500,000 square-foot living history museum of art, architecture and state politics. This Capitol, unlike others in this country, houses the offices of Missouri’s statewide elected officials and legislators.
Through House Bill 19, lawmakers decided to spend $40 million on maintaining and renovating the Capitol.  The bonding measure of $40 million will would pay for Capitol repairs. Based on estimates received by the Office of Administration, $35 million for repair and renovations at the Capitol annex; $35 million for the State Historical Society to make upgrades at various locations across the state; and more than $10 million to the Department of Natural Resources in the Division of State Parks for repair and renovations at various state parks and historic sites around the state.

Earlier this week a time capsule dating back to 1915 was opened at the Capitol revealing artifacts and bits of history that really open your eyes to life back in the early 1900’s. According to records, the time capsule includes copies of St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City newspapers, a history of Missouri and a copy of the amendment to the state constitution authorizing the construction of the new Capitol, among other items.

Next month, a new Missouri time capsule will be placed to honor the 100th anniversary of the Missouri State Capitol Cornerstone. The governor, lawmakers and state officials are inviting Missourians to submit their ideas on what should be included. The new time capsule will include items representing Missouri government, technology, sports and culture. It will remain sealed until the 200th anniversary of the Capitol. Missourians can submit their ideas online at Mo.gov/Time Capsule until midnight on June 20.
The governor will unveil the original time capsule and announce the contents of the new time capsule at a ceremony on Friday, July 3, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the laying of the Missouri State Capitol’s Cornerstone. The event will be held on the south side of the Capitol steps at 1 p.m.

As stewards of state resources it is important that we continue to properly maintain our parks and properties of all kinds so they may be enjoyed for years and years to come.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.