FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

Gov. Blunt Signs Bill Delivering Funding to Make Critical Repairs for Missouri's Governor's Mansion

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today signed a supplemental bill that delivers funding for much-needed repairs at the Missouri Governor's Mansion among other funding priorities. The repairs have been a top priority for First Lady Melanie Blunt who sought support for the legislation from the General Assembly.

"I am pleased to sign this funding bill to provide critical funding for long-overdue improvements and repairs at the Missouri Governor's Mansion," Gov. Blunt said. "This funding will help ensure that this historic home is in good repair for generations to come."

First Lady Melanie Blunt encouraged the Missouri General Assembly to follow Gov. Blunt's recommendation to appropriate $3 million to support renovation efforts at the Governor's Mansion. The money is 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.

"We are committed to leaving the Governor's Mansion in an improved condition for future generations of Missourians," Mrs. Blunt said. "The Missouri Governor's Mansion is an important part of our state's history, and this funding will allow us to preserve it for the future and make it a safer place for the thousands of Missourians who come here every year to explore its treasures."

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.
• $1.1 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 passed by both the House and Senate with no dissenting votes in either chamber.

###