JEFFERSON CITY - After nearly 100 years perched on the bank of the Missouri River, the Capitol building has begun to settle and is ready for some needed renovations, said Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage.

"The building has had a lot of use and is starting to need a little face lift," Flanigan said. "Over the years and time, it's just taken its toll on the structure itself."

 The Capitol, which was built in 1917, has old electrical wiring, mold throughout the building and potential safety hazards due to the settling, he said. Flanigan said he'd also like to make the building environmentally sound and wheelchair accessible.

"We've talked about a bond issue or a building fund, that's something we've considered," he said. "Private funds would be another way, or a combination of public and private would be a way to fund it."

Flanigan said the tight state budget creates funding challenge for a project he expects to cost several million dollars. However, he said he will continue to explore funding options before he files the legislation for the spring session.

"It may not go anywhere. We may never get a hearing on it. But we certainly want to start the conversation around the state about the Capitol building," he said.