LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The Ten Commandments monument returns to the State Capitol Thursday, April 26, nearly a year after the original was destroyed within 24 hours of its installation.
In 2015, Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a bill into law known as the "Ten Commandments Monument Act." It paved the way for the statue's installation on June 27, 2017.
A man is accused of driving his car into the statue the next morning and posting video of the incident on Facebook.
A state commission in Dec. approved the final design for Arkansas display's replacement, including four concrete posts for protection. Crews have installed the posts and repaired the monument's base.
State Sen. Jason Rapert (R-Conway) spearheaded both efforts to fund the monument.
"Tomorrow, we will formally dedicate the monument to the people of Arkansas having paid for it twice with extra costs because of the security measures," Rapert told THV11 on Wednesday.
A spokesperson from the Arkansas Secretary of States Office said people had the chance to voice their opinions on the project during public hearings and by calling a special hotline.
"We've heard from people all over the spectrum, and I expect there will be some more of that going forward with this," said Chris Powell, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State's office.
Installation of the monument is expected to take place sometime Thursday morning. The American History and Heritage Foundation, the non-profit led by Rapert to pay for the monument, will host a public dedication ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
"The law actually speaks for itself," Rapert said. "The state of Arkansas believes that it is good and proper that people recognize and honor the Ten Commandments as part of the historical and moral foundation of law in our country.”