Nixon releases $40M for capital improvement projects

As Gov. Jay Nixon prepares to present his fiscal 2015 budget proposal to the General Assembly, the state leader has released $40.1 million in funding largely for capital improvement projects.

“My administration has worked diligently to protect our perfect AAA credit rating and keep our state on a fiscally sustainable path,” Nixon said in a news release. “This sound fiscal management allows me to release these funds that can be put to use in several state programs and make long-term capital improvements.”

The largest amount of expenditure restrictions released is $18 million, earmarked to improve the Missouri State Capitol building. The project includes sealing and waterproofing the south exterior of the building, a move expected to improve the appearance, stability and water-shedding capacity of the Jefferson City facility.

Nixon also released $7 million for state facilities maintenance and repair and $5 million for projects at Missouri's state parks, the release said.

The funding release includes $10.1 million for fiscal 2014, covering a range of programs such as the Division of Tourism, small-business initiatives, dental services for children and adults with disabilities, and the Department of Transportation.