Changes proposed for Kanas state office buildings

Topeka legislators are raising questions about plans by the Kansas Department of Administration to raze a state office building and relocate agencies to privately owned buildings.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the $17 million project would involve demolishing the Docking Building and relocating the Department of Revenue and Department for Children and Family Services. The cost includes building a new structure to house utilities that support state government operations.

Legislators questioned Administration Secretary Jim Clark during a meeting Thursday about the feasibility of the project and whether the local property market could absorb new development space.

Clark says the state either must move out of Docking or find the money to invest in $75 million to $85 million in deferred maintenance to make the building suitable for occupancy.

Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journa