COLUMBIA--Mold removal at the Governor's Mansion and two other buildings at the mansion complex cost more than $1.7 million, according to the state Budget and Control Board.

Repairs to the mansion cost $1.02 million, said board spokesman Michael Sponhour. Repairs to the Lace and Caldwell-Boylston houses cost a combined $745,000.

Both of the projects are being paid from the depreciation reserve fund, which is used for major renovations of state property.

The South Carolina Energy Office also made a $130,000 grant toward the mansion project, which involves a more efficient heating and air system.

The repairs involved improving and upgrading mechanical systems rather than "cleaning up" mold. A cleanup without fixing the underlying mechanical problem would only lead to the problem reappearing, Sponhour said.