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 | Mar 19, 2021
California city bans construction of new gas stations
Existing stations will not be allowed to add more pumps.
Codes and Standards | Mar 18, 2021
Congressmen ask Biden to tackle rising lumber costs
Rising materials costs and supply shortages threaten economic recovery, housing starts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2021
Massachusetts bill would mandate rooftop solar on new homes, commercial buildings
Proposed Bay State mandate modeled on California’s.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2021
Nevada may create areas for tech companies to form own governments
Legislation calls for ‘Innovation Zones’ that could become smart cities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2021
Los Angeles commits to carbon-free city buildings
City will take into account embedded carbon when contracting to buy construction products.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2021
‘Smart retrofitting’ will be crucial to net zero aspirations
AI, analytical software, Internet of Things are keys to decarbonization of built environment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2021
Salt Lake City is first jurisdiction to adopt new standards for off-site construction
Code Council and Modular Building Institute developing standards and compliance protocols.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2021
Hyperlocal zoning could spur more affordable housing construction
Letting blocks and streets pass their own rules could have impact.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2021
Biden builds on Trump’s “Buy American” order
New administration extends preferences for domestic construction materials.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2021
Biden administration overturns Trump’s federal building design mandate
Previous order promoted classical and “traditional” architecture above others.