Home News Local news SCHNEIDER UNLIKELY TO FINALIZE GOVT. CENTERS

SCHNEIDER UNLIKELY TO FINALIZE GOVT. CENTERS

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Outgoing Gov. Roy L. Schneider is unlikely to sign any contracts for new government complexes, the Independent reported Tuesday.
The paper quoted Samuel Baptiste, acting commissioner of Property and Procurement, as saying his department is still "basically trying to address all the issues involved, and it's a long process."
Sen. Lorraine L. Berry and transition team head Juel Molloy had urged Schneider not to sign any contracts for a government complex during his final weeks in office.
Schneider put government complex projects out for bid last summer and three contractors have been selected for negotiations. The Independent identified them as Custom Builders for the St. Thomas complex; Hyde Park Perini for a Labor Department building on St. Croix; and Ensycon for other government offices on St. Croix.
Berry and Molloy said it would be inappropriate for the outgoing administration to enter multi-million-dollar contracts without funds being identified and without input from Gov.- elect Charles W. Turnbull.
Baptiste had said last week, "We have not closed, but if an agreement is reached before the new administration comes in, I'm sure they well be fully briefed."
Most officials agree on the need to centralize government offices. The existing situation with scattered locations and high rents is less than ideal, but plans now in the works need to be carefully reviewed, said Molloy, co-chair of the Turnbull-James transition team.
In August when the project was put out for bid, Dean Luke, who was then commission of Property and Procurement, said the government was paying $8.2 million in rent for its scattered sites. Property and Procurement estimates a turnkey office project — which would not require an initial outlay of public money — could save taxpayers $2 million a year in rent.
"It's certainly in the interest of the Turnbull-James administration to try and cut down on rental costs," said Molloy, adding the new administration would review all contracts.
Very little information about the complex has been given to the public. Berry voiced concern about reports that it will be in Sub Base — reports that previously generated strong public opposition — but Baptiste said other locations also are being considered. He did not identify them.

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