The Oregon State Legislature set aside $9.7 million for construction of an archive to house the Oregon Constitution and other important historical documents in a climate-controlled, fire resistant environment. The project was later audited after loopholes in the purchasing and procurement guidelines led to extravagant spending: carpeting in the conference room that cost $127 a square yard, rugs for the entrance that cost $225 a square yard, $550,000 worth of Canadian maple paneling, travertine limestone floors that cost $180 a square yard, four lamp fixtures at $5,000 each, and ten walnut reading-room tables at $4,250 each. The building is across the street from Parish Middle School, which holds two temporary classes in its front yard.

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