OLYMPIA – The state Capitol officially reopened Monday after a three-year renovation following the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.
Earthquake damage was repaired at the 77-year-old building, and it was strengthened to help withstand another quake. Other improvements include solar panels, new wiring and new security screening locations.
For the past two years, legislators had to carry out the state’s business in temporary housing on the Capitol campus – the House in a modular building in an office parking lot and the Senate in the shell of the old state library.
“Boy, am I excited to be back here and not in the portables anymore,” Lt. Gov. Brad Owen said during opening ceremonies under the Capitol’s rotunda.
Outgoing Gov. Gary Locke commended the nearly $120 million construction effort, saying that it was the “craft of artisans at its best.” Locke said 91 percent of construction materials were recycled and the building has enough solar panels to illuminate the outside of the structure.
Gov.-elect Christine Gregoire said she was excited to start her term in the renovated building. Gregoire is set to be inaugurated Wednesday.
“It’s like a new beginning,” she said. “We have a new set of state leaders. … It’s fitting that we should get into the Capitol now. It’s a great signal for the future.”
More still needs to be done at the building for visitors and employees with disabilities.
The Department of General Administration said it will take another $300,000 to resolve remaining accessibility problems, such as with the restrooms and elevators.
Owen said officials are looking into correcting those problems, but that it’s been difficult to make some of the fixes because the building was not designed with disability access in mind.
“We’ve done the best we can to date,” he said. “It was bad. It’s better today and will be better in the future.”
Legislative leaders in both chambers took note of the new digs.
“We have a long session and much work to do,” said House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle. “I’m glad we get to do it here and not in a trailer in a parking lot – geez!”
Other legislators seconded that emotion.
“It’s like, OK, we’re real legislators again,” said Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City. “It’s nice to be back. It lends gravity to the decisions we make here.”
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