Study: Alaska could save big if lawmakers leave new offices

Anchorage LIO
The Anchorage Legislative Information Office, March 4, 2016. (Photo by Megan Ahleman)

A report suggests Alaska could save $7.5 million if lawmakers abandoned plans to purchase its new, remodeled office space in Anchorage and instead moved to a state-owned building.

The Alaska Dispatch News reports that financial analysis commissioned by lawmakers found that issuing bonds to buy the existing offices at the landlords’ $37 million asking price would produce $31.7 million total cost over a 20-year period, compared to a total cost of $24.2 million to move into the Atwood Building.

The joint Legislative Council, a committee, commissioned the study.

Lawmakers have been considering whether to relocate for a full year, since just after they moved into the remodeled space.

Legislative Council Chair, Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said the next step is to negotiate the asking price before deciding what to do.

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