Major capitol remodeling project will be worth it

Things in Lincoln have slowed down considerably since the end of session last month. This week I would like to update you on a major renovation to your state capitol. Over the next eight or more years, the capitol will be under construction. We will be updating the old heating and cooling system with a new HVAC unit, as well as, repairing and fixing the windows. The new HVAC system will be geothermal and powered by wells drilled on state property just a few blocks away from the capitol. This new system will eliminate the need of using chilled water and steam delivered by underground pipes from the University of Nebraska city campus, to cool and heat the building.

The remodeling will start in early June and will be completed in four separate phases. One quadrant will be blocked off at a time while workers install the new system. The southwest quadrant will be the first to undergo construction. Senators and staff on both the first and second floors of that quadrant will be relocated into the tower or to other available offices in the building. All committee offices and hearing rooms will be located on either the first or second floors somewhere during the entire time of the renovation. My office is in the southeast quadrant and will not move during the first phase. The southeast quadrant renovation is scheduled to begin in June of 2020. Each phase is expected to take from 18 months to 2 years.

The HVAC system will bring a new and nicer way to heat and cool the building. Every office will have its own thermostat to control the temperature in their room. Even though the building will be receiving a new upgrade it will come with some challenges. With senators’ offices being located temporarily in the tower, it may cause issues during session. The elevators are slow and can only hold a small number of people. Staffers and senators trying to get to the floor for a vote or with information may take some extra time. Some senators’ offices will be located as high as the 13th floor. Even with some inevitable speed bumps, the finished product will be worth it. Currently, it takes a couple of weeks for the entire capitol to be switched from heating to cooling which can cause some cold days in winter and warm days in spring.

I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. As I have done in previous years I will be spending this summer attending community celebrations and county fairs throughout the 44th District as well as meeting with various local officials. If you do not catch me when I am in your community please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have. My email address is dhughes@leg.ne.gov and my phone number is (402) 471-2805. You can read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov.