Sec. 2166.451. ACQUISITION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES. (a) In acquiring real property, each using agency shall first consider a building that is designated as a historic structure under Section 442.001 or a building that has been designated a landmark by the local governing authority if:

(1) the building meets requirements and specifications; and

(2) the cost is not substantially higher than that of other available structures that meet requirements and specifications.

(b) If the using agency rejects acquisition of a historic structure because of the structure's cost, the agency shall forward to the commission for inclusion in the project analysis for the new construction or acquisition a comparison of the cost of the new construction or acquisition with the cost of the purchase and rehabilitation of the historic structure.

(c) In determining the feasibility of acquiring a historic structure, the using agency shall evaluate the possibility of providing the space needed by the agency by combining new construction with acquisition of the historic structure.

(d) On request of the using agency, the commission shall assist the agency in evaluating the feasibility of acquiring a historic structure and in preparing the information required by Subsection (b).

(e) The commission shall comply with Subsections (a)-(c) for a:

(1) project for which it is the using agency; or

(2) multiagency state office building for which it serves as the coordinating authority.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 41, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 17.08(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.