Deal Reached On Oklahoma Capitol Repairs

The chairman of Oklahoma's powerful House Appropriations Committee says a deal has been reached with the Senate on a $200 million state bond issue that would fund repairs to the state's crumbling Capitol and other nearby buildings.

Rep. Earl Sears told The Associated Press on Wednesday that a bill containing the proposal will be unveiled soon. His Senate counterpart wouldn't confirm the price tag.

Yellow barricades block the Capitol's south steps for fear chunks of limestone and mortar could fall. Under the bond program, Oklahoma would pledge future revenue to fund the work.

Meanwhile, a $40 million bond issue for the American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma City is still under consideration. Some House and Senate Republicans oppose that financing, saying Oklahoma already pays $5.4 million annually toward its debt.