We Paid For It: Abandoned State Buildings

The state of Oklahoma owns an estimated 9000 properties and we're paying for it, even the ones that are not used.

A perfect example is the National Guard Armory on Northeast 23rd, just west of the Capitol. It's sat vacant for years. Now there's something being done about it.

The Oklahoma State Government Asset Reduction and Cost Savings Program requires the state to identify 5% of the most underutilized state-owned properties on a yearly basis. Money from the sale of these buildings will go into the Maintenance of State Buildings Revolving Fund.

That money will be used to maintain and repair other state properties and buildings that are used. Representative T.W. Shannon lead efforts for this legislation.

"We don't want this to be the great garage sale of Oklahoma," Representative T.W. Shannon said. "We're not talking about giving properties away.  They need to be sold at market value."

The Department of Central Services is required to report the first 5% of the most underused state owned properties by December. We'll keep an eye on it.