Crews are working on removing a security perch inside the Arizona House of Representatives building to make more room in the lobby area.
The Arizona Capitol Times reports existing security gates and metal detectors will be rearranged to better control traffic coming into the chamber.
House Republican Caucus spokesman Matt Specht says the work is estimated to cost $45,000 and should be finished by late December.
The construction of the entire security system, complete with metal detectors, gun lockers, and a Kevlar wall, originally cost taxpayers $442,000.
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard pushed for the remodeling of the chamber in May.
Rep. Kelly Townsend says while she agrees the perch takes up too much space, she wasn't in favor of taking something that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars apart.
___
Information from: Arizona Capitol Times, http://www.arizonacapitoltimes.com
