AUGUSTA (AP) — Members of the public may soon be able to get their hands on a piece of the century-old green copper removed from the dome of the Maine State House.

When the state replaced the weathered copper as part of a $1.3 million restoration project last year, lawmakers approved a plan to use the old copper to make souvenirs, create a public art piece on the capitol grounds and sell some to jewelers and the public.

The Kennebec Journal reported (http://bit.ly/1ECVKss ) that the Legislative Council is expected to release a notice about the availability of the copper next month.

The state is also making some commemorative keepsakes that will likely be available for purchase on the council’s website. A timetable hasn’t been set for the development of the public sculpture.