DES MOINES, IA – After moving hundreds of state-owned vehicles into the new $17 million Capitol parking garage, state officials were reprimanded by lawmakers because the state vehicles took up too many parking spaces, according to the Des Moines Register.

Mollie Anderson, director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, said the decision was made in part to save money and to get the cars out of a bad neighborhood.

The state opened the seven-level, 891-car parking garage in 2003 in an effort to provide more visitor and employee parking for the surrounding area. Anderson said her department was in the process of closing two lots and needed the space in the new garage. Around 300 to 400 cars, including cars of state employees and visitors, use the garage now.

Rep. Scott Raecker stated that, though the garage might not be full, he is concerned that expansion along East Grand Avenue and public events could leave visitors without parking.