Governor and First Lady Kickoff Repairs Critical to Missouri Governor's Mansion

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 26, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITYGov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt today kicked off critically needed renovation work as they helped remove slate from the existing roof on the Missouri Governors Mansion. The roof will be replaced with a new mansard roof for this historic home. The much-needed repairs have been a top priority for First Lady Melanie Blunt who sought support for the legislation from the General Assembly.

"When I leave office, Missouri government will be in much better shape than when I started. Melanie and I have taken that same approach to preserving the Missouri Governors Mansion," Gov. Blunt said. "These renovations will ensure that this Mansion is a resource that the people of Missouri will enjoy for generations to come."

First Lady Melanie Blunt encouraged the Missouri General Assembly to follow Gov. Blunts recommendation to appropriate $3 million to support renovation efforts at the Governors Mansion. The money is available in a constitutionally-established Facilities Maintenance and Reserve Fund dedicated to repairing and preserving state buildings in Missouri such as the Governors Mansion.

"We are committed to leaving the Governors Mansion in an improved condition for future generations of Missourians," Mrs. Blunt said.

The state funding will cover important repairs, including:

 $780,000 to repair the mansard slate roof and replacement of flat, membrane-type roofs. The life of the Mansions roof is 40 years and the last significant repair and installation of the roof was in 1965.

 $1.1 million to restore and repaint all windows, repair exterior masonry, and repair and paint all windows, trim, cornices, and columns. The current window frames and sashes show splintered and rotted wood which cannot adequately support large glass panes.

 $1.1 million for the partial replacement of the 23-year-old heating and cooling system that is malfunctioning and is well-beyond its life capacity, replacement of first floor kitchen needed for health, safety and efficiency, interior flooring and plaster repairs and other minor interior repairs and painting.

To view photos of the Missouri Governors Mansion and to see some of the immediate repair needs, visit http://www.gov.mo.gov/firstlady/mansionrestore.htm.

Yesterday Mrs. Blunt hosted a luncheon featuring former First Ladies Betty Hearnes, Carolyn Bond, Jean Carnahan, Pat Wilson, and Lori Holden. A Luncheon with the First Ladies was an historic collaboration of Missouris first ladies to raise support to restore and repair the historic Missouri Governors Mansion. The event raised more than half a million dollars. The funding supports MMPIs $3 million capital campaign to pay for much needed interior restoration work at the Missouri Governors Mansion.