The General Services Administration’s construction budget for fiscal year 2015 passed by the House this month includes cuts in both new construction and renovation/repairs compared to 2014. The agency would have about $420 million, or 17% less, for new projects and will have $965 million, or 3.5% less, for renovation and repair projects, according to the House bill.
The House bill would fund projects at the Calexico and San Ysidro land ports of entry in California, and the Alexandria Bay land port of entry in New York. The legislation contains no funding in 2015 for the continued construction of the new Department of Homeland Security’s consolidated headquarters on the campus of the former St. Elizabeth’s hospital in southeast Washington, D.C. President Obama’s proposed budget increases funding for that project.
A new Coast Guard headquarters, the first phase of the St. Elizabeth’s project, was completed and occupied by the Coast Guard last year. But years of budget cuts and delays have caused a dramatic drop in Congressional support for the multi-billion dollar project that would bring more than 14,000 employees to the campus.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework
Focus is on equity, resilience, and climate protection.
School Construction | May 3, 2016
Florida clamps down on school construction spending
Critics fear rules will hamper ability to build schools with desired features.
Resiliency | May 2, 2016
Connecticut to develop new code standards for resiliency
Expected more frequent severe weather events due to climate change prompts review.
Contractors | Apr 29, 2016
OSHA issues advisory to protect workers from Zika virus
Construction industry workers considered at high risk.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2016
New research finds 30 measures to significantly cut energy use
ASHRAE’s prescription cuts across all building types and climates.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2016
Florida gives developers more time to install first responder radio signal systems
Expensive upgrades can be postponed for several years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
San Francisco becomes first big U.S. city to require solar panels on new buildings
Pertains to commercial and residential buildings shorter than 10 stories.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
GSA adopts SITES land development and management rating system
Federal agency will use for properties with and without buildings.
Wood | Apr 22, 2016
Revised 2015 Manual for Engineered Wood Construction available
American Wood Council Document offers design information for structural applications.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2016
OSHA updates eye and face protection standards in final rule
Becomes effective April 26.
