GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION 6/6/2006

Page 206, enrolled, Item C-1.05

strike

lines 31 through 34

insert

“The Department of General Services may enter into a contract or contracts to demolish the Eighth Street Office Building on Broad Street between Eighth Street and Ninth Street after it has completed a design for a replacement office building that shall include parking and limited commercial and retail space and is consistent with the historic character of the Capitol Square complex.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that a new building be constructed on the site of the demolished building.”

(This amendment makes it clear that the General Assembly intends to replace the Eighth Street Office Building with a building that is consistent with the historic character of the Capitol complex.)

A more detailed explanation of my actions is attached.

Attachment

Explanation of Governor’s Actions on House Bill 5012

Amendment to Item C-1.05

The General Assembly proposes to demolish the Eighth Street Office Building in Item C-1.05 of enrolled House Bill 5012.  There are a number of structural issues with the Eighth Street Office Building.  The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems have exceeded their life expectancies.  The building interior finishes have been subjected to extensive damage due to water infiltration from the exterior and also failed plumbing systems.

The Governor’s concern about this action is twofold.  First, although efforts to demolish the Eighth Street Office Building are not new, this provision was not included in the original House or Senate amendments to House Bill/Senate Bill 29.  This is problematic, particularly in light of the expedited timeframe required for the demolition.  Secondly, the Governor is concerned that it is premature to tear down this building in the absence of a design of a building consistent with the historic character of the Capitol Square complex to replace the lost office space.  The Governor does not want the state to create another vacant lot, diminishing the beauty of the Capitol Square complex.

Accordingly, the Governor’s amendment to this item requires that the demolition proposed by the General Assembly follow completion of the design work for a replacement office building.  It also makes it clear that the General Assembly intends to replace the demolished building with a structure that is consistent with the historic character of the Capitol complex.