Mo. state penitentiary to reopen for tourism next year

See Related Stories

Intro:	Governor Jay Nixon doesn’t seem to like the word “transparency.”
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The governor announced in a news conference Wednesday the state will spend one million dollars to renovate the Missouri State Penitentiary,which environment officials deemed hazardous in September.

When asked if he will provide public information on the project supported by both parties, he didn’t provide a serious answer.

Actuality:	NIX.WAV
Run Time:	00:14
Description: Well you certainly have been capable of asking a lot of questions [laughing] umm… [laughter] you’ve been writing notes in your paper… so [he laughs]… I’d expect you to continue that.

The landmark will tentatively reopen Spring 2014.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Hanna Battah.

Intro:	The State of Missouri and Jefferson City will split the tab to reopen a historic landmark.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Governor Jay Nixon announced a $2 million project to reopen the abandoned Missouri State Penitentiary for tours by next Spring.

Environment officials deemed the penitentiary hazardous in September for areas infested with mold.

Jefferson City Republican Senator Mike Kehoe says he is happy they could work out a bipartisan agreement.

Actuality:	KEHOE1.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: Not only is this important. I mean everyone agrees this is an important issue. But then, how do we move forward together? It just shows you that we don’t always have to be political about things. We can work together and do the right thing for the state and the community.

The money will cleanup a few housing units in the penitentiary and the gas chamber.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Hanna Battah.

Intro:	Governor Jay Nixon announced Wednesday the abandoned Missouri State Penitentiary will reopen for tourism next spring.
RunTime:	0:34
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The 2 million dollar renovation agreement garnered bipartisan support after environment officials deemed the building hazardous in September.

Governor Nixon says tourism sales last year were up nearly 4 million dollars, and the landmark has been helpful for the state's success.

Actuality:	NIX2.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: Tourism supports more than 280 thousand jobs in our state while generating 11.2 billion dollars in revenue in the show-me state, each and every year.

The state and city will split the costs of the project.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Hanna Battah.