Topeka — Legislative leaders are considering a review of the Kansas Statehouse renovation project in light of sky-rocketing costs.

“We owe it to ourselves and the people of this state,” House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, said Thursday.

The cost of the Statehouse renovation project now is at $285 million. Prior to the start of the project in 2000, one estimate had it costing from $90 million to $120 million.

At Merrick’s request, the Legislative Coordinating Council, composed of legislative leaders, will hear a presentation in August from The Konrath Group, a Kansas City, Mo.-based management firm that specializes in reviewing large construction projects.

In the just-completed legislative session, lawmakers closed prisons and reduce school funding because of budget problems. But they approved $38 million in bonds to keep the Statehouse renovation project going.