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OTHER VIEWS Other Views: Don't stop now on Capitol reconstruction Comment By The (Salem) Statesman Journal MailTribune.com By The (Salem) Statesman Journal Posted Jun. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM By The (Salem) Statesman Journal Posted Jun. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Here are a few facts about the successful reconstruction and seismic upgrade of the state Capitol, which cost around $260 million: 6.5 million pounds of concrete reinforcing steel used. More than 4,700 construction workers involved. 76 miles of audio visual wire and cable installed. Heating, cooling, plumbing and fire-safety systems updated. 550 windows replaced with historic-looking, energy-efficient windows, some of them bulletproof. Rooms reconfigured and restored to their historical look More than 260 base isolators — a building's version of shock absorbers — installed to let the Capitol move up to two feet in any direction during an earthquake. Granite walls strengthened and additional walls installed to guard against a collapse during a quake. "But wait," you say. "When did this happen? Aren't some Oregon legislators getting cold feet about the Capitol renovation after soundly supporting it in the past?" Oh, you so are right. The preceding facts are from the renovation of the Utah State Capitol, which was completed seven years ago. "Interesting," you say. "Utah is a Republican state, a fiscally conservative state." Yes, but it also is a quietly innovative state. Utahns add up the numbers and embrace ideas that present a prudent return on their investment. Buildings, even majestic ones, wear out over the decades and require upgrades. Meanwhile, it is disconcerting that some Oregon legislators are balking at moving forward with the Capitol restoration, especially after previously supporting it. Admittedly, the cost is scary — an estimated $337 million. That is why the prudent approach would be to approve the estimated $163 million needed in state bonds for the next two years, while launching a fundraising campaign. By the way, on a per capita basis Oregon would spend less for its capitol renovation than Utah did. Also, Utah rebuilt its capitol to withstand a 7.3 magnitude quake; Oregon must achieve a higher standard. "But what about our kids?" you say. "Shouldn't we fix our public schools first, so they will survive The Big One?" This is not an either-or issue. The issue is whether the Oregon Legislature is willing to inconvenience itself by moving from its quarters, as the Utah Legislature did, for a couple of years so the Capitol can be rebuilt. After all, it should seem obvious that Oregon will need a functional center of government, regardless of when The Big One or another disaster hits. And there seems to be little interest among legislators, or Oregonians at large, in starting over by constructing a brand-new, state-of-the-art capitol, even if that might be less expensive. Oregon has allocated millions of dollars for seismic upgrades to schools and likely will do more this year. However, the state has failed to appreciate that certain schools and other institutions must be moved and rebuilt outside tsunami zones. The Legislature must broaden the use of that money, and school districts must act faster to make the upgrades. In the meantime, the Oregon Capitol renovation not only is ready to go, but some work has started under the Legislature's previous authorizations. It would be a waste of money — a shortsighted one and a potentially dangerous one — to stop now. By The (Salem) Statesman Journal MailTribune.com By The (Salem) Statesman Journal Posted Jun. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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