Topeka ? Gov. Bill Graves announced Thursday the formation of the Statehouse Restoration Foundation, which is designed to support educational and fund-raising initiatives once the limestone building is returned to its original grandeur.

Graves said the foundation would be a public-private effort to enhance the eight-year, $135 million restoration project.

“As one who has had 22 years of public service — all within this building — I am incredibly fond of the Statehouse and we’re looking forward to doing a number of good things through the foundation above and beyond what is planned through the state’s restoration project,” Graves said.

Graves is named as a charter trustee of the foundation, which will file articles of incorporation later this week with the secretary of state’s office. The foundation already has raised $100,000.

Joining him are former U.S. Sens. Nancy Kassebaum Baker and Bob Dole, former U.S. Rep. Dan Glickman, State Board of Regents member Bill Docking and former Senate President Dick Bond. Docking’s father and grandfather both served in the Statehouse as governors in the 1960s and 1970s.

The restoration, already under way, is scheduled to last into 2010. Plans are for an extensive restoration of the building’s interior; an upgrading of its electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems; an addition of an underground parking garage; and creation of a visitors center in what is now the basement.

Graves said none of the money raised by the foundation would supplant public revenue raised through the sale of bonds to pay for the restoration. He envisioned the foundation supporting education opportunities for Kansans, such as traveling exhibits and presentations.

Gov.-elect Kathleen Sebelius said the foundation would serve the needs of all Kansans, particularly children, who comprise about three-fourths of the building’s 30,000 annual visitors.

“This public-private partnership is in the best interests of every citizen, especially children whose education will be enhanced by the foundation’s initiatives,” Sebelius said.

Bond said contributions to the foundation could include furniture or art of historic value.

“The Statehouse is more than simply a structure, it is the symbol of our representative form of government,” Bond said. “It should be restored and preserved, and as many Kansans should be part of that effort as possible.”