State Capitol Opens On Statehood Day

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – After three and a half years and $300 million, the Wyoming State Capitol is back open for business.

 State leaders cut a red ribbon in front of the 132-year-old building Wednesday. The ceremony capped a massive renovation to the sandstone landmark and nearby facilities including the Herschler Building, a state office complex.

 Afterward the building was opened up for people to take a look around inside.

 Gov. Mark Gordon told a crowd of a couple thousand it's good to be back in the Capitol. Gordon calls it the "heartbeat of Wyoming."

 Several state agencies and the offices of Wyoming's top elected officials moved into temporary offices elsewhere in Cheyenne while the work took place.

 State lawmakers met for four legislative sessions in a rented office building in Cheyenne.