Topeka ? The Exxon Mobil Constitution Hall?

Not likely.

But lawmakers hoping to find loose change in a tight budget have asked the Kansas Historical Society to report on whether any of the 16 state historical sites could be sold.

The Historical Society told the Legislature “no.”

The issue arose Thursday as Senate budget writers worked on a final state budget amid decreasing revenue projections and increasing economic warnings.

“In the financial situation that not only Kansas is in, but 38 states, we have to start looking at places where we could save some money,” said state Sen. David Wysong, R-Shawnee Mission, who heads the budget subcommittee that reviews the state historical agency.

But Wysong said he was satisfied with the report from the Historical Society that noted several state historic sites already are partnering with local groups to help finance operations.

“It looks to me like the right thing is happening,” he said.

The Historical Society noted that many of the sites have been rehabilitated in the past several years with state funds and private donations. Many of the donations were made on the assumption that the state would remain the owner of the sites.

If the state decides there is no alternative but to sell or reduce the number of sites it administers, the Historical Society recommended a task force be appointed to review the situation and make recommendations to the Legislature.

Tim Rues, administrator of Constitution Hall in Lecompton, said he would hate to see any historic sites sold.

“It’s a bad connotation, like selling off your heritage,” he said.