Idaho panel backs $126 million resolution to purchase office space

BOISE – The Idaho House has approved a resolution authorizing state officials to negotiate the purchase of $126 million in new office space.

Earlier this month, Gov. Butch Otter announced he was requesting the approval from the House and Senate to enable the Department of Administration to finalize the purchase office space on the former Hewlett-Packard campus in Boise. The buildings will house the Idaho State Tax Commission and possibly other state agencies.

House members voted 65-5 on Wednesday, just after the resolution cleared a legislative panel earlier that morning.

Wayne Meuleman, executive director of the Idaho State Building Authority, told lawmakers that the move will provide valuable office space for the state over the next 50 years.

Last year, several state agencies found themselves in a housing crisis after being alerted that owners of their Boise building had accepted an offer from a separate company.