Statehouse Live: No funding to complete Capitol visitor’s center

? The $320 million Capitol renovation project has resulted in new offices for legislators, elegantly restored House and Senate chambers and showcase meetings rooms.

But a proposed Visitor’s Center remains undone and there are no funds available to finish it, officials said Friday.

“Does not make us look very good,” House Minority Leader Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, said. He said the Visitor’s Center was the primary part of the “people’s building” dedicated to helping visitors enjoy a visit to the historic Capitol.

Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, said he wants to explore options to get the Visitor’s Center finished. He said the state should consider soliciting private funds for the project, or issuing bonds that would be repaid with private funds.

“It’s an integral part of this majestic building,” Morris said. “We can’t have a glaring hole on the north side of the building,” he said.