(a) A memorial to veterans may be placed on the grounds of the statehouse. If constructed, the memorial shall be located south of the statehouse at a site to be selected by the capitol area plaza authority. The memorial shall be constructed in accordance with design and architectural drawings reviewed by the division of facilities management and approved by the capitol area plaza authority. Additions and modifications to the memorial shall be constructed in accordance with design and architectural drawings reviewed by the division of facilities management and approved by the capitol area plaza authority. The state preservation officer shall serve in an advisory capacity to the capitol area plaza authority regarding the memorial.

(b) The selection of an architect shall be made by the veterans memorial advisory committee and shall not be subject to the advertising and architectural selection provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-430a and 75-1250 et seq., and amendments thereto. The construction of the project shall be competitively bid pursuant to applicable statutes or regulations in effect at that time.