GSA Announces Major Investments in the Nation's Public Buildings as Part of President's Budget

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini announced major public building construction and repair projects outlined in President Obama's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget.

The President's Budget calls for important, common sense investments in the nation's public buildings managed by the U.S. General Services Administration. These investments enable GSA to properly maintain and improve the real estate assets owned and paid for by the American people.

"By investing in our public buildings, a smaller federal footprint and improved border crossing stations, GSA will not only create savings for the American people, but also assist in providing them with the most efficient and effective government possible," said GSA Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini. "The President's Budget will ensure that federal agencies can support economic and job growth in communities across this country."

Investing in the Nation's Public Buildings:

As a result of consecutive years of reduced funding, GSA's portfolio of facilities have forgone over $4 billion worth of capital improvements including major repairs and maintenance as well as critical additions to the inventory. The President's Budget restores GSA's authority to fully use incoming rent funds to meet the urgent needs of its real estate portfolio by investing $1.3 billion in repair and maintenance of federal buildings, including $379 million for basic repairs.

The Budget also identifies important construction projects across the country, including more than $800 million investment in eight construction projects, such as the consolidation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the St. Elizabeth's campus in Washington, DC.  By bringing these agency components into a single campus, DHS will save on leased space and enhance staff collaboration.

Making Federal Real Estate Smaller and More Efficient:

The Budget includes $100 million to further GSA's efforts to consolidate agencies within existing Federally owned space across the country to improve space utilization, optimize inventory, decrease reliance on leased space, increase energy and water conservation, and reduce the federal government's footprint.  GSA's consolidation program will save taxpayer dollars by reducing agency dependence on leased space, and reducing the total amount of space occupied by the government.

Investing in Border Infrastructure and Modernization:

The Budget includes two border crossing and inspection projects that will promote economic growth and national security. This includes a $226 million request this year to work on the next phase of the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Southern California, the busiest border crossing in the world.

GSA is also requesting $61 million to expand and modernize the U.S. Land Port of Entry facilities at the Port of Laredo in Laredo, Texas. These investments will increase efficiency, create economic growth, and improve safety and security for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

These are critical investments in infrastructure that will create significant savings by preventing costly emergency repairs in the future and build upon our progress.

Savings from Internal Reforms:

Over the past year, GSA has increased its transparency and accountability and has streamlined the agency's operations. In just one year as GSA Acting Administrator, Tangherlini has led the agency in delivering more than $73 million in internal savings by implementing common sense reforms. The President's Budget is an opportunity for GSA to further these efforts.

The mission of GSA is to deliver best value in real estate, acquisition and technology services to government and the American people. The agency delivers this commitment through six priority areas that include: delivering better value and savings; serving our partners; expanding opportunities for small businesses; creating a more sustainable government; leading with innovation; and building a stronger GSA.

SOURCE U.S. General Services Administration

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