OKLAHOMA CITY —
Bright yellow barricades that prevent pedestrian traffic in front of Oklahoma’s Capitol are just the most obvious indication that there are major repairs needed on the nearly 100-year-old building.
State officials including the Capitol architect took lawmakers on a tour Tuesday of areas in the building outside the public’s view that revealed rotting pipes, disintegrating walls and a patchwork of disorganized repairs. Architect Duane Mass says the most pressing need is to fix giant limestone panels on the exterior of the building that are crumbling because of improper repairs.
Lawmakers are looking for ways to foot the bill for what experts estimate is about $153 million in needed repairs. Among the ideas discussed Tuesday were a bond issue and the possibility of tapping the state’s constitutional reserve fund.
State, national, world
Related Photos
Discussion
Okla. lawmakers tour state’s crumbling Capitol
- State, national, world
-
-
Lawyer: Feds investigating Susan Powell case
Newly released police records show that Utah officials believe Josh Powell likely killed his wife in late 2009, and that his brother, Michael Powell, helped dispose of the body, but authorities felt they didn't have enough evidence to prove that theory in court.
-
Singer Kellie Pickler named new 'Dancing' champ
Teen Disney Channel star Zendaya came in second place. Football pro Jacoby Jones finished third. Fellow finalist Alexandra Raisman was axed at the beginning of Tuesday's episode.
-
Arias tells jury what she'll do if allowed to live
Jodi Arias asked jurors Tuesday to give her life in prison, arguing she "lacked perspective" when she told a local reporter in an interview after she was convicted of murder that she preferred execution to spending the rest of her days in jail.
-
Should we let wunderkinds drop out of high school?
When is it OK for a wunderkind to drop out of school?
-
More tornadoes from global warming? Nobody knows
Some scientists theorize that the jet stream is changing because sea ice in the Arctic is shrinking. And the jet stream pattern drives weather in the Northern Hemisphere.
-
The Big One: Preparing for mid-America quakes
- NEW: Tornado hits OKC suburb, kicking up debris
- Assad: Syria transition talks are internal matter
- IRS probe ignored most influential groups
- Obama agenda marches on despite controversies
- More State, national, world Headlines
-
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
