Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter issued the following statement in support of the Legislative Council’s decision to proceed with a public-private partnership to construct a new State House for the people of Alabama:
“The significant challenges with the current Alabama State House, ranging from black mold to chronic flooding to outdated electrical systems and countless others, have been well documented by the media and experienced by everyone who utilizes the building.
“Just like the cost of repairing an old, outdated automobile eventually exceeds its value at some point, the Legislative Council has determined that the significant funding necessary to update the dilapidated State House would be better spent by investing in a new one.
“Because of sky-high interest rates, entering into a lease-to-own agreement and allowing the Retirement Systems of Alabama to manage the construction component of this project offers the most common-sense fiscal option for taxpayers.
“A new State House will provide much-needed public access and adequate space for Alabama’s press—allowing more opportunities for Alabamians to attend legislative meetings, have input in important debates, and let their voices be heard on the issues that matter to them most.”
