Over the past few weeks, scaffolding has encased the dome on the Nebraska State Capitol.

Bob Ripley is the administrator of the Office of the Capitol Commission and tells KLIN News they did an inspection of the building in 2019 that showed water damage to the dome, the limestone on the vertical face of the tower and repairs to gutters were needed. Work was delayed due to the pandemic but are now underway.

To prevent further water damage, waterproof tape was used to temporarily seal joints. That tape is now being removed. There are 11 caulking or sealant joints that run from the Sower to the base of the dome. Those joints need sealant to allow movement. Workers are also repairing tile that needs to be re-bonded to the mortar bed.

Work also will be done to the gutter system. Ripley says, “Water and rain on the roof of the capitol doesn’t not drain out onto the lawn, the driveways or the sidewalks. it is collected in gutters, then downspouts that go through the vertical walls of the building and collected in the basement. There is a big storm drain on each of the 4 sides of the building where water exits and goes into the storm sewer around the building”.

Ripley says they are about 3/4 done with repairs to the tower and then all efforts will go to work on the tile dome and gutters.

The Legislature approved $1.25 million for the repairs. Bids came in a bit under but the project isn’t yet done. Ripley says they are glad to have a cushion in case there are unexpected costs. The project should be done by mid-November.