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Sponsor Statement for HB 57
Construction of Legislative Hall

An Act relating to construction of a legislative hall.

Released: February 8, 2001

House Bill 57 creates a fair, equitable competition for the construction of a new legislative hall for Alaska.

This legislation permits the Alaska Legislative Council to develop specifications and solicit proposals for a new legislative hall. The bill allows proposals from borough or unified municipalities with at least 30,000 residents, which would include Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna, Fairbanks, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Juneau, and Kenai Peninsula Borough.

The current capitol building was finished in 1931. While efforts have been made to update the building, there is only so much that can be done to address its major problems. These problems include: corridors which do not meet the current fire and safety building codes; limited ingress and egress for the disabled; lack of amenities such as parking and a public lounge; antiquated heating and ventilation systems; inadequate wiring for electrical and telecommunication services; and insufficient office, chamber, and committee space. The capitol building has outlived its usefulness as a legislative hall, and it is time to have a modern, functional building.

Upon making a selection, the Legislative council will be responsible for carrying out the terms of the proposal, and for the operation and maintenance of the building. The rent would be set at $1 per year. The new building will be completed and ready for occupancy by June 30, 2004.

HB 57 will provide Alaskans with an up-to-date, accessible, and safe legislative hall - a distinguished symbol of our government and a structure that Alaskans can be proud of.

I would urge your support of this legislation.

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Attachments:

• Sectional Analysis for HB 57
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 93 K

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