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Committee clears bill to authorize disposal and demolition of specified legislative building
Summary
Senate Bill 279 would authorize demolition of a legislative building and disposal of its contents; sponsors said preparations await construction of a replacement and funding, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
Senator Gavan presented Senate Bill 279, which he said authorizes tearing down a building and disposing of items inside once arrangements are completed for new chambers.
"This allows us to tear this building down and dispose of the things that are in it by the legislative council," Gavan said, adding the Senate's arrangements would be transferred to a new chamber. He said companion legislation was filed in the House.
Committee members asked about the cost and funding source for demolition. Senator Albritton asked, "How much this gonna cost and where's the money coming from?" Gavan said demolition costs would come "out of your budget" and later said the goal in budgeting had been to pay the parking deck and demolition in cash. He cited a line in the general fund budget showing $37,500,000 set aside as conditional, and said a definitive decision would not be known until Sept. 30. Gavan expressed concern about potential employee exposures and said demolition would not start until a new building is ready.
A favorable motion was made and seconded; the committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-0 voice/consent indicated as "favorable report 10 o." The transcript records no binding timeline or final procurement method; Gavan said demolition funding "may be rolling it into the rent" but was not certain.
The bill was reported out of committee with the committee noting the conditional status of available funds and that timing depends on construction and budget decisions.
