NJ State House to undergo complete renovation

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NY) - Gov. Chris Christie says that work will begin immediately on a complete renovation of the New Jersey statehouse.

Christie said Tuesday that staff will be moved into other office space in Trenton by July for a four-year, $300 million project. Parts of the building date to the 18th century.

He says the current condition of the statehouse is shameful and hasn't had a major upgrade since 1958. He says that the part of the building used by the executive branch doesn't have fire sprinklers and there are a number of code violations.

The Republican addressed reporters Tuesday in the Statehouse Rotunda.

Christie says that workers and tourists shouldn't have to worry about being unsafe in the building.

He says the portion of the building used by the Legislature won't be affected.

The event was initially billed as a news conference in which reporters could ask questions. But it was later billed on Christie's updated schedule as a "press announcement" with no availability to question Christie.

Christie answered some questions on his regular call-in show last week.

There has been speculation Christie could be tapped for a post in President-elect Donald Trump's administration. But he was replaced as chief of Trump's White House transition team and the governor has recently said he intends to finish his final year in office while leaving the door open to a Trump offer.

With the Associated Press