TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on the New Jersey statehouse renovation (all times local):
12:05 p.m.
New Jersey officials say a $300 million renovation of the state’s worn-out statehouse is about 15 to 20 percent complete about year into extensive, four-year renovations.
Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio and Building Authority Executive Director Ray Arcario led reporters Thursday on a tour of renovation’s progress.
Arcario says about a fifth of the work has been done, with a large contract expected to go out in January. He says the most extensive work is yet to come and will include new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Records obtained by the Associated Press show that so far about $38 million in contracts have been awarded since former Gov. Chris Christie pushed project a year ago.
The demolition work has revealed 18th century beams, 27-foot ceiling once covered and divided into office units and uncovered giant skylight-like elements that will be restored where possible.
The target for completion is 2022.
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12:05 a.m.
New Jersey has secured about $38 million in contracts, so far, a year into a $300 million debt-financed renovation of the hazardous and time-worn statehouse.
The figure is based on documents obtained by The Associated Press through the Open Public Records Act and confirmed by the Treasury showing the value of contracts totaling about $38 million. So far, $11.7 million has been paid out.
Nearly everyone in state government agrees the project is needed, but critics argue voters should have weighed in on the debt.
The four-year project was briefly at the center of last year’s campaign to succeed Republican Gov. Chris Christie.
Christie pushed the project and argued that the renovation was necessary
Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration says the project is on budget, but they’re trying to bring it in under budget.
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