First Lady Melanie A. Blunt
May 16, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady Praises General Assembly for Supporting Missouri Governor's Mansion Restoration

JEFFERSON CITY - First Lady Melanie Blunt today commended the Missouri General Assembly for approving legislation to provide funding for much-needed repairs and restoration at the Missouri Governor's Mansion.

"I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Missouri General Assembly to make these important and much-needed repairs to this historic home," Mrs. Blunt said. "The Missouri Governor's Mansion is an important part of our state's history, and this funding will allow us to make it a safer and more beautiful place for Missourians."

Mrs. Blunt is pleased that the legislature quickly acted on the governor's request to use $3 million that is already available in a constitutionally-established Facilities Maintenance and Reserve Fund dedicated to repairing and preserving state buildings in Missouri such as the Governor's Mansion. The much-needed repairs at the Mansion can commence earlier than expected due to the quick passage of the supplemental bill.

The funding will cover important repairs, including:

  • $780,000 to repair the mansard slate roof and replacement of flat, membrane-type roofs. The life of the Mansion's roof is 40 years and the last significant repair and installation of the roof was in 1965.
  • $1.1 million to restore and repaint all windows, repair exterior masonry, and repair and paint all windows, trim, cornices, and columns. The current window frames and sashes show splintered and rotted wood which cannot adequately support large glass panes.
  • $1.2 million for the partial replacement of the 23-year-old heating and cooling system that is malfunctioning and is well-beyond its life capacity, replacement of first floor kitchen needed for health, safety and efficiency, interior flooring and plaster repairs and other minor interior repairs and painting.

To view photos of the Missouri Governor's Mansion and to see some of the immediate repair needs, visit http://www.gov.mo.gov/firstlady/mansionrestore.htm.

The supplemental funding bill was Truly Agreed and Finally Passed by both the House and Senate Tuesday with no dissenting votes in either chamber.

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