Gov. Stitt signs bill to build Capitol Arch to honor Oklahoma National Guard veterans ~ MuskogeePolitico.com

Original concept sketch for the Oklahoma 45th National Guard Veteran’s Arch.

Capitol Arch Legislation Signed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill Wednesday that will fund construction of an arch at the Oklahoma Capitol to serve as a symbol of honor for the services provided by the Oklahoma National Guard.

House Bill 4012 was authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore.

“This arch was part of the original design for the Capitol and I believe it will add to the beauty of our complex,” McBride said. “Additionally, it will honor the legacy of the members of the Oklahoma National Guard and their service and protection of the citizens of our great state.”

McBride, who is serving a term-limited term this year after serving 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, said he is pleased that one of his final pieces of legislation will leave a lasting memorial for Oklahomans to enjoy.

Architect Solomon Layton included drawings of the arch in early plans for the Capitol, which was completed in 1917. McBride said the arch was originally designed to extend across Lincoln Boulevard, much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, it was one of the structures, such as the dome, that was set aside due to a lack of funding at the time.

The 30-foot-high and 60-foot-long model arch would be built south of the visitors parking lot south of the Capitol. It would have a small amphitheater that would seat about 100 people, and the lawn that now exists would be called Veterans Park.

HB 4012 creates a revolving fund into which state appropriations, grants, donations and legacies from private individuals or other entities can deposit money for the purpose of maintaining the arch.

McBride said the project has been in the works since about 2014, before the Capitol restoration began. He said he wanted to get the $250 million restoration project off the books on time and on budget before introducing this bill asking for funding for the arch. The estimated cost of the arch is $4.3 million, which would come from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority.

The author of HB 4012 in the Senate is Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City.