State Crime Lab Under Budget, On Time

After years of controversy about the size and scope of the project, the lab will be ready for scientists next summer.

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By Andrea Gusty
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Story Created: Apr 13, 2011 at 11:13 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 13, 2011 at 5:25 PM AKDT

Money is headed back into state coffers, as a major construction project appears to be coming in under budget.

The Alaska State Legislature granted money for the new state crime lab last year after years of controversy about the project’s size and scope.

Construction ran into a hiccup when $20,000 worth of copper piping was stolen from the site this winter.

While the crime has gone unsolved, the missing copper piping hasn’t impacted the overall project. According to those in charge, the construction is running smoothly.

“The project is on time and it's under budget. As a matter of fact, the governor's administration has returned about $5 million of the $92 million appropriation to the state coffers this year because we are projecting to be about $5 million under run so we are giving the money back,” said DOT Project Manager Matt Tanaka.

That $5 million is being given back to the state through the 2012 capital budget before the Legislature in the final days of session.

Under the current construction plan, about 15 percent of the building will be unfinished allowing for expansion of lab space later on.

The new crime lab is slated to be done and ready for the scientists to start using it in June 2012.

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Sean said on Wednesday, Apr 13 at 12:35 PM

Under an inflated construction budget? just like a 5% off Sale after doubling the price. We're not getting screwed quite as hard, thanks.

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mikey said on Wednesday, Apr 13 at 3:04 PM

Very true , they always ask for more money up front, for a return tax payer think they are getting money back for under budget, they just ask for lots of extra, kind of like the school district with their out of control costs, way to go voters on voting down these wasteful bonds.

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Steve said on Wednesday, Apr 13 at 3:57 PM

whoever wrote the paragraph under the title needs to go back to school. "Next 2012" when was the first 2012! Really all computers come with spelling and grammar check.

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