King defends heated steps System melts ice, cost $250,000

AUGUSTA – State workers won’t be slipping down the front steps of the new State Office Building this winter.

That’s because the granite steps will be heated to keep them warm and free of ice and snow. But the steps come with a price tag: $250,000.

Officials said the $24 million building, which was dedicated Wednesday, came in under budget, so they spent some of the surplus money on extras – including the steps.

Jerry Nault of the state’s Bureau of General Services said the heating function will prevent hazardous footing in the winter, and also will eliminate the need for salt and other materials to be spread on the steps during inclement weather.

Salt and other chemicals can be environmentally unfriendly and eventually would erode the granite, Nault said.

Another feature of the seven-story building is a sound system that pumps in “soft noise” throughout floors 3 through 7.

The system broadcasts a kind of soft, muffling noise that is designed to prevent conversations in one office or cubical from being overheard in another. It is intended to promote privacy and keep workers from being distracted.

That system also cost $250,000.

Gov. Angus King defended the expenditures, and said they aren’t overindulgent. The building is still $600,000 under budget.

“When you’re building something with taxpayers’ money you want to strike a balance between meeting the needs of the workers who occupy the space, and not being extravagant. That balance has been well struck in this building,” King said. “The building is functional. It’s pleasant, it’s light, but it’s not extravagant.”

The building houses 750 state employees who have said they’re thrilled with their new work space.

“How do you measure the improvement in morale and productivity by having pleasant space people feel good about?” King asked.