JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A group of lawmakers that oversees legislative affairs has decided to pay rent on the Anchorage legislative office for the next year while lawmakers mull future options, including the potential purchase of the building and land.
Legislative Council chairman Sen. Gary Stevens said the extra time would allow the Legislature to look at other Anchorage real estate and to explore getting out of its lease terms.
The Alaska Public Radio Network reports (https://bit.ly/1yr8JzU ) the state spent nearly $8 million to renovate the office last year as part of a sole-source contract. With the state facing multibillion-dollar deficits, lawmakers have flirted with breaking the 10-year lease and relocating to state-owned building at a lower price.
Rep. Sam Kito III said if the Legislature has cheaper options now, it should take them.
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