By Mike Blount
NewsRadio KFBK

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A project to demolish the State Capitol Annex and build an underground parking garage visitor center in its place is being met with criticism from a group who say it's too costly and environmentally irresponsible.

Preservation Sacramento board member Karen Jaques says the plan would destroy historic architecture: "The entrance to the Capitol would be covered by a porch like area that extends over it, completely changing the appearance of the Capitol."

The billion project has united a group of strange bedfellows including taxpayer associations, environmentalists and preservationists who are typically at odds.

Bruce Lee with the Sacramento Taxpayers Association says the project is fiscally irresponsible: "Now is a time, the pivotal time to stabilize the economy of California and a recovery. Not focus on extravagant projects."

‍You can find out more about their opposition at SaveOurCapitol.org. Assemblyman Ken Cooley, who is leading the Capitol Annex Project was not available to comment for the story.