The head of the massive renovation project under way at the state Capitol was given $8,000 in bonuses Wednesday, along with a $10,000 pay raise on top of his $86,000 annual salary.

The unanimous decision to boost the compensation of David Hart, executive director of the Capitol Preservation Board, came after board members deliberated for nearly a half-hour behind closed doors.

Hart was praised for keeping the four-year project scheduled for completion in 2008 on time and on budget, as well as for saving the state an estimated $5 million on the stone used in the renovation.

"He has held that in check," Sen. Al Mansell, R-Sandy, said of the original budget of as much as $300 million that was set in 1998. Mansell said the project was on target to come in within budget.

Half of Hart's one-time bonus money, $4,000, was given because of the budget, and the other $4,000 for the savings on the stone.

The Capitol has been closed since August 2004, and the hope is that the 2008 Legislature will be able to meet there in mid-January. Lawmakers and the governor have taken up temporary quarters in the two newest office buildings at the Capitol complex.

In addition to the renovation, the building is also being retrofitted to withstand an earthquake. Nearly 300 base isolators — which act as shock absorbers — are being installed beneath the 135-million pound structure.

That won't be done until sometime next year. Then workers can get started on reinforcing the building's walls and structural features. Finally, there are cosmetic changes planned, including the installation of four new sculptures in the rotunda.

The design of the 11-foot classical figures, also approved by the board Wednesday, will represent the spirt of the state through depicting arts and education, science and technology, immigration and settlement, and land and community.

Hart said he was pleased with the additional compensation. There had been talk of a larger bonus but no pay raise. The board specified that he should receive the salary increase within 15 days.

"It's been a long year," Hart said. "I'm glad that the board took the action they took. I'm very happy."

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