Bureau seeks firm to design tunnel

The Legislative Council’s Executive Subcommittee on Tuesday authorized the Bureau of Legislative Research to issue a request for qualifications from select firms to provide architectural and engineering design services for a proposed tunnel connecting the state Capitol building to the Multi-Agency Complex immediately west of the state Capitol.

The bureau seeks a qualified firm to produce studies, plans and specifications and contract administration for the construction of a proposed tunnel from the state Capitol to the building that is commonly known as Big MAC, including all vertical and horizontal access from one building to the other, according to a bureau document about the request for qualifications. “This will include all mechanical, electrical, security and any additional services required by [Bureau of Legislative Research.]”

According to the proposed schedule of events, the Division of Building Authority would issue the request for qualifications to select design professionals March 13, the deadline for submitting qualifications would be March 28, and the Legislative Council would consider final approval of the contract during the week of June 16.

Legislative Council CoChairs Sen. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, and Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, R-Hermitage, said legislative leaders are seeking cost estimates for the proposed tunnel and haven’t made a decision on whether to proceed with the tunnel project. Among other things, security concerns have prompted legislative leaders to consider the project.