Topeka ? Workers are removing boxes and furniture from the Statehouse, preparing the east wing for the next phase of a 10-year, $135 million renovation of the seat of Kansas government.

The State Budget Division has begun relocating its offices to a nearby office building. In the next three weeks, members of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ staff and aides to Kansas Senate leaders will move into temporary quarters but remain in the Capitol.

Meanwhile, work on a $15 million underground parking garage continues on the north side of the Capitol. That project is almost two months ahead of schedule, officials said.

In 2000 and 2001, the Legislature authorized $55 million in bonds to complete the parking garage, build new underground vaults for offices and mechanical systems and start work on the east wing. However, lawmakers must approve an additional $19.8 million in bonds for east wing work to be completed.

Three years ago, in approving the renovation, legislators concluded the Statehouse needed massive improvements to its electrical, heating, plumbing, and cooling systems. They also wanted better committee rooms and offices for legislators and a visitors’ center in the Statehouse basement, used mostly for storage.

The first phase — including the parking garage — could be ready by April 2004, instead of June 2004.

When the east wing renovation begins, construction workers will seal off its first- and second-floor entrances. The Senate chamber on the third floor will remain in use for the 2004 legislative session but be closed to the public before then.

If the work goes as planned — and legislators approve more bonds — work on the east wing should be done by July 2005.

The third phase includes renovation of the west wing; the fourth and final phase, renovation of the north and south wings and the rotunda. Plans call for the renovation’s completion in October 2010.