01/07/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Idaho cities and counties will get a
ceremonial key to the newly refurbished state Capitol, mounted on a
wooden plaque made from the historic oak tree planted on the
grounds in 1891 by then-President Benjamin Harrison.

The plaques and keys from the Harrison tree will be presented
Saturday at the Capitol's Rededication Celebration.

The ancient oak was among 11 arboreal specimens felled in
advance of the excavation of underground wings on the east and west
sides of the Statehouse.

The state says the plaques and keys serve as a reminder that
Idaho residents will always have access to the state's most-public
building.

The Capitol has been buzzing this week, as a panel of lawmakers
responsible for budget predictions began meetings with economists
and representatives of private industry _ all the while moving into
offices after more than two years and $122.5 million worth of work
to spruce up the century-old building.

On the Net:

_ To view a special invitation to the reopening ceremony
http://capitolcommission.idaho.gov/celebration/.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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