The Oklahoma Supreme Court has upheld legislation authorizing a $120 million bond issue to renovate and repair Oklahoma's crumbling State Capitol building.
In a unanimous decision, the nine-member court handed down a decision Monday rejecting allegations that the bond legislation was an unconstitutional special law that should be struck down.
The Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority asked the Supreme Court for guidance on whether to issue the bonds after Oklahoma City attorney Jerry Fent announced plans to protest the issuance.
Fent claims the bill authorizing the bond issue is unconstitutional because it addressed only one state building.
But attorneys for the state say the bill is a universal general law that applies to a unique building that serves as both the seat of state government and as a symbol of Oklahoma.
“We’re thrilled the court made the wise, easy choice to uphold funding for this critical project. I’m looking forward to personally welcoming Mr. Fent and all Oklahomans to their wonderfully restored State Capitol once this project is complete,” Office of Management Enterprise Services Director Preston Doerflinger said in a press release.
OMES is responsible for overseeing the project.
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