Lesniak Calls On State House Commission To Reject Christie’s $300 Million Renovation Plan

Trenton – In a letter to State House Commission members today, Senator Raymond Lesniak asked the Commission members to require a “re-procurement” of the renovation plan to determine what repairs are necessary for safety and security and to scrutinize the contract that went from $38 million to $300 million absent a competitive bid.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which would issue the debt to finance the renovation project, can’t move forward without the approval of the State House Commission. The commission controls the sale and leasing of state-owned properties, including the State House.

Senator Lesniak previously called on Governor Christie to put off the full $300 million plan and move forward only with urgently-needed safety repairs. Senator Lesniak also says the administration should issue a new contract proposal for the $300 million plan and not rely on the dated $38 million contract that was already awarded.

Senator Lesniak’s correspondence went to Governor Chris Christie, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno (first alternate), Ford Scudder, the State Treasurer, David Ridolfino, the acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Senator Gerald Cardinale, Senator Bob Smith, Assemblyman David Rible and Assemblyman Paul Moriarity, all members of the commission.

Senator Lesniak’s letter to the State House Commission:

Dear Members of the State House Commission:

I request that the State House Commission vote against Governor Christie’s State House renovation proposal and direct that a re-procurement of the statehouse renovation plan be issued to determine what repairs are necessary for safety and security. I also request that the commission carefully re-examine the contract to determine why it went from $38 million to $300 million without a competitive bid.

I look forward to a response from the commission.

Sincerely,

Senator Raymond J. Lesniak