Study: Alaska could save big if lawmakers leave new offices

Published 8:02 am Tuesday, March 22, 2016

ANCHORAGE — 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 reported 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.