On April 25, 2025, the New Hampshire Senate convened to discuss the state’s capital budget, focusing on the Department of Administrative Services' requests for funding to maintain and improve state infrastructure. The meeting highlighted the significant challenges faced by the department, particularly in managing the state's aging buildings and facilities.

Charlie Arlinghaus, the department's commissioner, outlined the dual roles of the department: managing the maintenance of 96 state buildings and overseeing construction and engineering projects. He emphasized the need for substantial funding to address deferred maintenance, which he estimated to be around $1 billion. Despite the governor proposing the highest capital budget in recent history, the department received only $15 million, a fraction of their initial request of $150 million. This discrepancy raised concerns about the adequacy of funding for essential projects, including renovations to the annex and critical repairs to elevators and fire safety systems.

Karen Renton Mackey, director of plant and property, presented additional project requests, including HVAC upgrades for courthouses and essential repairs to aging infrastructure. She stressed the urgency of these projects, noting that many systems are nearing the end of their useful life, which could lead to more significant issues if not addressed promptly.

The discussions also touched on the strategic use of state-owned buildings. Arlinghaus mentioned ongoing renovations at the Londrigan Building, which is expected to be ready for occupancy by fall 2025. However, he clarified that moving agencies back into renovated spaces is often complicated and costly, leading to a preference for utilizing existing state facilities efficiently.

Senators expressed concerns about the state’s reliance on rented spaces for various agencies, questioning the financial implications of maintaining such arrangements when state-owned buildings remain underutilized. The department committed to providing a comprehensive list of agencies currently renting space, along with associated costs, to facilitate discussions on potential relocations to state-owned facilities.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the pressing need for adequate funding to maintain New Hampshire's infrastructure and the importance of strategic planning in utilizing state resources effectively. As the Senate continues to deliberate on the capital budget, the outcomes will significantly impact the state's ability to address its infrastructure challenges and improve operational efficiencies across various agencies.