TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A project is getting started to overhaul Florida's capitol complex plaza after serious structural damage was discovered in a Senate parking garage.
The four-year project will entail removal of 7,300 tons of soil and about 154 trees.
The Tallahassee Democrat reports (http://on.tdo.com/2aDBdez ) that plans were accelerated when tests showed a parking garage main girder was compromised.
Officials say the girder was cracking under the weight of nearly 4,000 tons of soil and landscaping above.
The House garage also has soil and vegetation weight on top but officials say it is designed differently and not as damaged.
Plans include removal of holly trees, oak trees, shrubs and ground covering, and tons of soil. Live oak trees will be replanted around the plaza.
The Senate garage work will cost about $20 million.
