Construction on the new Alabama State House has faced setbacks, yet it remains on track to be completed in time for the 2027 legislative session. According to Al.com, Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO David Bronner revealed that a portion of the project had to be re-bid, resulting in a delay of approximately four to six months. "My goal originally was to finish by 2025," Bronner said, "but now it will likely extend into 2026, particularly in the first four to six months."

The Journey of the New Alabama State House Amid Delays

Project Overview

The Retirement Systems of Alabama, with its expertise in building multiple office buildings across Alabama, is constructing the new facility for the Alabama Legislature. This new statehouse will be leased back to the legislature, ensuring its continued use. The current construction is taking place behind the existing building, with the old one set to be demolished and replaced by a park-like area. A parking deck will also be built in a nearby parking lot.Lawmakers once convened at the Alabama Capitol, which housed the governor's office. However, in 1985, they moved to the current building when the Capitol underwent renovations. Despite the option to return after the renovations, legislators chose not to do so.The Alabama Legislative Council, a 20-member panel consisting of legislative leaders and their appointees, approved the construction of the new statehouse last year. In 2020, there was a brief discussion about using $200 million of federal pandemic relief funds for the project, but this idea faced immediate opposition.

Cost Estimates and Challenges

Bronner provided an update on the project during a meeting of the Employees' Retirement System Board of Control. He assured that the project is on track to stay within the $325 million cost estimate. The early stages of the project came in under budget, including the electrical and mechanical portions. However, he cautioned that unexpected factors could affect the cost. One such factor mentioned was President-elect Donald Trump's policy proposal of installing tariffs, which could have a significant impact on everyone's finances."A lot of crazy things can happen," Bronner said. "For example, these tariffs could add an extra burden to the project and potentially cause further delays or cost overruns."

Construction Progress

Despite the delays, the construction of the new statehouse is progressing steadily. Workers are diligently working behind the scenes to ensure that the project meets its deadlines. The demolition of the old building and the construction of the park-like area are also in full swing. The parking deck is being built adjacent to the current statehouse, providing much-needed parking facilities for visitors and lawmakers.The attention to detail and quality in the construction is evident, with every aspect of the project being carefully planned and executed. From the foundation to the roof, every detail is being taken into account to ensure that the new statehouse is a symbol of excellence.In conclusion, while the construction of the new Alabama State House has been delayed, it is still moving forward steadily. With the expertise of the Retirement Systems of Alabama and the support of the legislative council, the project is expected to be completed on time and will serve as a new landmark for the state.