Virginia officials are talking with Richmond officials about the possible construction of a parking deck across from a new performing arts center, as well as the full renovation of another deck nearby.

Discussions took place today in a closed meeting of the Broad Street Community Development Authority, which has been looking for ways to pay for new parking structures downtown to support the performing arts center, private businesses and other public institutions.

State officials are looking for parking options to serve newly acquired or planned government buildings in downtown Richmond. City economic development officials also were involved in today's discussions.

The Broad Street authority issued a statement today confirming discussions about "possible long-term joint parking opportunities" with the state. The discussions center on the construction of a parking garage on a surface parking lot that the authority owns at East Grace and North 7th streets, facing the CenterStage performing arts center under construction on the other side of Grace Street.

Officials for the authority, state and city also are discussing the possible completion of an existing parking deck at East Franklin and North 6th streets, directly behind the Grace Street lot. Currently, only two floors of the six-story structure are available for parking.

"The CDA looks forward to working with representatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and other interested parties in continuing the CDA's mission to provide parking for downtown Richmond development," the authority stated today.