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Christie Announces New Jersey Statehouse Will Undergo $300 Million Renovation

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Tuesday that the Statehouse will undergo a $300 million renovation over the next four years.

"It is an important project for us to do," Christie said.

The governor revealed that the building, which was constructed in 1792, has numerous code violations.

"The building deterioration outside and inside is truly extraordinary," Christie said, adding that one office in the building is sinking into the ground.

Christie said the current condition of the statehouse is shameful and hasn't had a major upgrade since 1958. He said that the part of the building used by the executive branch doesn't have fire sprinklers.

"This building is a trap on the executive side," Christie said, adding that window frames need to be strapped in so they don't fall.

Christie said the building will be evacuated no later than July of next year, and that they will be working in offices throughout Trenton.

Christie said the Statehouse shouldn't be the symbol of government in the state and workers and tourists shouldn't have to worry about being unsafe in the building.

Christie also reiterated that he will be serving out his term. He said if he was going to announce he was leaving for an administration role in President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet, it would be in a different setting and not at the Statehouse Rotunda.

"Just use a little common sense," Christie said.

Bill Bennett
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filed a private criminal complaint against Christie in Bergen County Court asking for criminal charges to be filed against the Governor, after access lane to the George Washington Bridge out of Fort Lee were closed for a few days more than three years ago.

 

"He had an obligation. It was a duty that was clearly inherent in the nature of his office to reopen those closed access lanes and he failed in that duty," Bennett told KYW Newsradio.

KYW's David Madden contributed to this report. 

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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