MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Republican leader of the Alabama Senate said Wednesday that the state’s coronavirus relief funds will not be used to build a new Statehouse, putting to rest an idea that had created an immediate backlash.
Spending $200 million for a new Statehouse was on a list, along with telemedicine and expenses related to the pandemic, that legislative leaders sent the governor of potential uses for the state’s $1.8 billion in CARES Act funding. A spokesman for Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said the Statehouse idea is now off the table.
“We now have guidance that makes it clear that the funds could not be used to build a new State House. It should also be made clear that this list represented the first draft of potential uses for these funds as a starting point for discussion,” Marsh spokesman Will Califf said in a statement.
Marsh last week defended the idea of at least discussing Statehouse construction. Marsh said Saturday that his priority is improving rural broadband access to better enable distance learning and telemedicine during the pandemic. But he said the Statehouse construction idea could be discussed if funds are left over.
“Are there reasons to build a new Statehouse? Yes, there are. Should it be at the top of the list? I cannot say that. But I will tell you it should be part of the discussion,” he said. Marsh added that there is a mold problem and design issues at the Statehouse that hinder public access, particularly during the virus restrictions.