HomeMy WebLinkAboutMT Capitol Restoration Found.City Council
City of Laurel
POBox 10
Laurel, MT 59044
MONTANA ESTORATION FOUNDATION
Box 192002 · Holena, Montana 59620-2002 · (406) 442-8162
May 19, 2002 [;;:~F
CiTY OF LAUREL
J
Good Morning,
The Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation respectfully sends this letter to update you on the progress of the
Capitol Steps CTEP Project. The recently adjourned 57th Montana legislature approved the Department of
Administration's plan to reconstruct the granite stairs to the main entry of our State Capitol, while maintaining the
historic integrity of the structure. The main entrance and granite stairs am currently off limits to pedestrian traffic
due to deterioration of the foundation, framework and masonry of the stairs. The open archway beneath the stairs
will be enclosed for energy efficiency and enhanced security.
Because of the funding constraints faced by the State of Montana at this time, the proposal submitted to the
legislature for the project was scaled back from the original estimate of $755,000 to $530,000 by removing some
elements of the project that could be postponed until later.
State funds will cover $400,000 of the expected cost of the project. The Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation
has made a commitment to raise $130,000. To date, the Foundation is excited and deeply grateful to report that the
following commitments of CTEP funds have been received from local governments across the state:
City of Helena:
Golden Valley County:
Prairie County:
Lake County:
Glacier County:
White Sulphur ~prings:
Colstrip:
Livingston:
Total - 5/19/03:
15,000.00
9,800.00
1,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
4,000.00
1,ooo. oo
1,000.00
51,800.00
Each of these cities/towns and counties will receive long-lasting recognition for its contribution with a marker
located in Capitol Centennial Square on the south side of the Capitol.
As we near the end of this CTEP funding cycle, we are asking that your city again consider donating any unused
portion ofyour allocated CTEP funds to this project. We were told by one county that a donation could be
forthcoming after bids were let in the spring for previous commitments to other projects. Another county found out
that it had unused funds from a previous year. If your city has experienced circumstances which Ieft an unused
portion of CTEP funds, the Montana Department of Transportation can allocate this amount to the Capitol Steps
Project at your city's request. The goal is to complete the reconstruction of the stairs in time for the anticipated
influx of tourists following the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Trail through Montana.
Please remember the following important factors as you decide whether to commit some of your city's CTEP
dollars to the Capitol Steps Project:
1) The matching funds for this project will be derived from other sources, not from the contributing
communities.
2) Your community will not have to enter into a maintenance agreement for the Capitol steps.
3) The project application and other requirements will not be the responsibility of your community.
You may donate CTEP funds to the Capitol Steps Project by sending a letter indicating the amount of funds your
city is willing to contribute, to Tom Martin, Montana Department of Transportation Planning Division, Attention
CTEP Bureau, P. O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620-1001. Please Cc: the letter to Kathy Harris,
Transportation Coordinator, City of Helena, 316 N. Park Ave., Helena, MT 59623
In addition, please contact Ellen Bell at (406) 442-8162 or e-mail info~montanacapitol.com or contact Chris
Imhoff at (406) 442-6523 and let the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation know about your generosity. Also,
if we can answer any questions or concerns please give us a call.
--Thin--ir-you, in advance for he~pi~g~to'pregerve th~eg-acyol~our~:ap-iIol for~aI1 Montanan~-~ffros;~r - --~
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to come.
Sincerely,
Betty Babcock, President
Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation