Washington was forced through this at the beginning of the decade after the Nisqually quake did its number on the state campus at Olympia. The end result, viewed now, is quite respectable, but it meant moving most of the top of state government for two years, holding legislative sessions in temporary quarters (and crimping public access somewhat), and costing more than $118 million, far above original estimates.
The Idaho statehouse is scheduled to undergo major renovation as well, starting this spring and lasting for a couple of years. There's been no earthquake, but substantial work on it has been needed for at least a decade and probably much more. Cost estimates some years ago ran to the $30-40 million area, but now are running much higher - well over $100 million. But much of that owes not to repairs and renovation as such, but to plans to add two underground levels of office and meeting space to the building - a controversial plan opposed by, among others, new Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter.
Now Oregon . . . whose statehouse is considerable younger than the other two (it replaced one burned in 1935), but also probably needs substantial repairs. Ironically, the worst problems seem to have developed not in the central part of building, including the rotunda and governor's office, but in the legislative wings which were built only about 30 years ago. An Associated Press report on this notes, "The sprinkler system doesn't meet code. The 1938 building falls short of state earthquake-protection standards. Overuse has caused the wiring system to overheat. Pipes have corroded, and much of the furniture does not meet ergonomic standards. The battery-operated emergency lighting system may not work if it is needed."
These are not small items, not cheap to repair, and not unimportant either. The price tag currently is estimated at
This year's legislative session may start to make moves toward a comprehensive renovation effort. There is some talk of floating a bond as early as this March, with work to commence - when? - perhaps a couple of years off?
A suggestion first: Cast a reviewing eye at the experiences Washington and Idaho have had, and the debates and options they have considered. Some lessons learned might be usefully applied.