First it was the new airplane. Now the Missouri State Highway Patrol is drawing attention for it’s planned $1.7 million renovation of a swimming pool.

The patrol’s pool was covered in 2001 because of leaks and the need for major renovations.

A proposal in Missouri’s capital improvements budget would re-establish the pool, which is used for water rescue training.

The project also calls for building a new weight room and defensive training mat room that now are located over the pool.

The budget proposal calls for spending $200,000 in the fiscal year that starts July 1 and $1.5 million in the following year. Highway funds would be used for the project, which is allowed because it is for the patrol.