Crumbling Minn. Capitol reaches 'tipping point'
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![Weathered marble](https://img.apmcdn.org/2cc97b7732b33b9b238c57aaaa9cc31360c7ccf1/uncropped/c34fb0-20120210-crumbling-capitol1.jpg)
By ALEXANDRA TEMPUS
Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Capitol building is in dire need of repair soon, but budget pressures in the Legislature are making the expensive upgrade difficult.
The Capitol Preservation Commission has recommended a $241 million renovation plan. The building is one of just a few in the country to have not undergone a full-scale renovation. The commission says lack of updates to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems pose health and safety risks.
If approved, the plan could start later this year and take up to five years to complete. But some lawmakers say some improvements are more urgent than others.
Rep. Dean Urdahl of Grove City has drafted two bills with different options to fund the project. But no money for the project is included in Gov. Mark Dayton's bonding proposal.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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