Office Decisions Threaten To Delay Capitol Makeover

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Disputes over tenant space threaten to bog down the grand makeover of the Minnesota Capitol.

A commission planned to approve the final phase of a $273 million renovation on Wednesday. But that was postponed because Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders haven't decided how to divvy up remodeled space.

Officials warn delays could add up to $680,000 a month to project costs. The commission meets again a next Thursday to try again.

One question is how many lawmakers will have offices in the Capitol, where most senators are now. A new Senate office building is going up but several senators could also retain rooms in the Capitol. The governor's footprint would also expand and House leaders would get ceremonial offices, too.

Republicans are arguing against the doubling up of offices.

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