Hundreds of Kansans gathered at the Statehouse Wednesday to celebrate the end of the building's 13-year-long restoration project. The event coincided with Kansas Day, the state's 153rd birthday.
School children, members of the public and former and current state officials attended the ceremony. Historians learned that the Kansas Statehouse was never formally dedicated after its initial completion, so Gov. Sam Brownback took the opportunity to unveil a plaque and officially dedicate the Kansas Capitol.
“So in alignment with our founders who laid the initial cornerstone 148 years ago, I, Sam Brownback, governor of the state of Kansas, do hereby dedicate this building to the glory of God and the people of the great state of Kansas, long may they live," Brownback said.
The restoration work cost more than $300 million and was paid for with state bonds.
