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Supporters trying to resurrect Big Mac II plan for Capitol grounds Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 By Doug Thompson Arkansas News Bureau FAYETTEVILLE - Supporters have dusted off plans for constructing a new state office complex on the Capitol grounds that was first proposed more than 20 yeas ago. At a joint meeting Monday, the House and Senate Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs are scheduled to discuss the so-called Big Mac II project, a proposal for a second multi-agency complex similar to the original building nicknamed Big Mac on the Capitol Mall. Space for state offices was a problem when then-state Rep. John Miller, D-Melbourne, proposed the building to the Legislature in 1987, 1989 and 1991, "and it's even greater today," Sen. Steve Faris, D-Malvern, Senate committee chairman, said Tuesday. "We have an expanding state government with increasing space needs," Faris said in a telephone interview. "We're paying a tremendous amount to off-site landlords. We're renting massive amounts of space." Faris said state agencies have compiled the figures for private leasing of floor space and rents paid. Anne W. Laidlaw, director of the Arkansas Building Authority, and Deputy Director Susan Wilson are scheduled to give presentations on the amount of space being leased for state offices and the cost, and on the proposed Capitol Mall concept at Monday's meeting. "Our biggest immediate need is for office and parking space, but our long-term need is for a sensible, well-thought out, well-planned space around the Capitol that has green space," Faris said Tuesday. "With term limits, we need a plan in place that the legislative branch approves to give consistency to meeting our future space needs. Then we won't have knee-jerk reactions when needs come up." Over the years, opponents of the idea have cited readily available office space for lease in Little Rock. |
