Pricetag for U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Jumps Once More; Now $356 Million Over Budget

WASHINGTON – The price of the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center has risen again — and is well more than double the original cost estimates.

The acting Architect of the Capitol, Stephen Ayers, testified at a congressional hearing yesterday that the new price for the sprawling underground facility is now $621 million. It was originally expected to cost an estimated $265 million.

The project has been delayed for years by post-Sept. 11, 2001 security concerns and modifications from Congress.

The visitor's center is now scheduled to open late next year.