HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 51

(By Delegates Flanigan, Douglas, Kuhn, Angotti, Azinger, Border, Butcher, Brown, Hatfield, Leggett, Manchin, Marshall, Martin, Overington, Perdue, Tucker, Walters, and Yeager)


(Originating in the Committee on Government Organization)


[February 22, 2002]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of the current methods of approving and managing renovation and restoration projects for areas of the state capitol complex that are of great value and historical significance to the citizenry of West Virginia, and to further study the need to locate, protect and restore furnishings and architectural aspects of the state capitol building.

Whereas, The capitol building is a representation of the history, culture and pride of the State of West Virginia and of its citizenry; and
Whereas, The furnishings originally prescribed by architect Cass Gilbert, that once adorned the state capitol building, have been mistreated, lost or otherwise disposed of; and
Whereas, Historically and culturally related original architectural aspects of the capitol building have been destroyed or hidden beneath years of poorly coordinated renovations and repairs; and
Whereas, The protective regulatory power of the Capitol Building Commission has been ignored or bypassed in order to secure short-term solutions for problems; and
Whereas, There is a need to ensure that the protective mandates of The Capitol Building Commission are followed in order to guarantee that future generations of West Virginians are allowed to enjoy their cultural heritage that is so finely represented in the State capitol building; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the current methods of approving and managing renovation and restoration projects for areas of the state capitol complex that are of great value and historical significance to the citizenry of West Virginia, and to further study the need to locate, protect and restore furnishings and architectural aspects of the state capitol building; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.