A massive new headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security is more than $1.5 billion over budget, 11 years behind schedule, and may never be completed.
When it was first proposed, the development was said to be critical for national security and the revitalization of Southeast Washington. The project on the grounds of the former St. Elizabeth’s Hospital would centralize the department’s operations. More than 50 historic buildings would be renovated and new ones erected.
Under the original plan, the complex was scheduled to be finished as early as this year for less than $3 billion. But only a Coast Guard building has been completed, with the rest of the grounds remaining undeveloped. The budget has inflated to $4.5 billion, with completion pushed back to 2026.
Neither Congressional Republicans nor Democrats have given the project much support, and the Obama Administration hasn’t made the project a priority, the Washington Post reported.
A revised administration plan with anticipated completion in 2026 was given to Congress last year, requiring about $280 million a year. It got only $190 million in 2014.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2020
New concrete detailing manual includes downloadable CAD files
American Concrete Institute document contains guidance on codes for structural concrete.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2020
California rent control measure defeated
Golden State voters reject Proposition 21.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2020
NY court ruling makes it easier for condo boards to sue investors for construction defects
Investors would be tapped for damages on such cases.
Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2020
Researchers and industry leaders will form national institute for AI in construction
Goal is to identify high-impact areas for application in design and construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2020
Jobsite injuries in New York City decline 20% since 2017
Safety training cited as a cause of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Commercial building owners having tougher time securing insurance policies and renewals
Insurers’ fears of civil unrest in wake of election prompt builder’s risk coverage moratoriums.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Turn rooftops into revenue generators with solar arrays
Lease or ownership models for PVs make more sense than ever.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2020
The argument against gas stoves includes degraded indoor air quality
Asthma seems to be aggravated by cooking with flame.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2020
Wildfires can make drinking water toxic
Updated building codes could mitigate the danger.
Adaptive Reuse | Oct 26, 2020
Mall property redevelopments could result in dramatic property value drops
Retail conversions to fulfillment centers, apartments, schools, or medical offices could cut values 60% to 90%.