[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 119 (Monday, July 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FORRESTAL COMPLEX 
                       REDEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2014

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 28, 2014

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I introduce the Department of Energy 
Forrestal Complex Redevelopment Act to direct the General Services 
Administrator (GSA) to redevelop this site using its authorities to 
enter into public-private partnerships in accordance with the National 
Capital Planning Commission's (NCPC) Southwest (SW) Ecodistrict Plan. 
The Department of Energy (DOE) Forrestal Complex is located at 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., and has the potential to serve as a gateway to 
renewed development in this section of the National Mall area in 
downtown Washington. For many years, the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure and its Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public 
Buildings and Emergency Management have expressed concern about excess 
federal property, wasteful spending, energy efficiency, and space 
utilization practices. This bill, which would maximize use of valuable, 
centrally located land for public and private uses, responds to this 
concern.
  GSA and DOE have been assessing the needs of the DOE and any costs 
and benefits associated with disposing of the assets at the complex. In 
the last few months, GSA released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 
for two of its properties in close proximity to the DOE Forrestal 
Complex, the Cotton Annex and the GSA Regional Office Building, which 
are part of the SW Ecodistrict Plan. Portions of the Forrestal Complex 
lie between these two parcels, and their redevelopment will aid the in 
the realization of the SW Ecodistrict Plan, which has been embraced by 
the NCPC and the District of Columbia.
  Redevelopment of the Forrestal Complex will enable mixed-use 
development, and it would accommodate the uses agreed to in the SW 
Ecodistrict Plan. The plan includes a modern headquarters for DOE that 
combines reduced but more efficient utilization of federal government 
office space, more sustainable practices to preserve energy and water, 
and the possible location of a nationally significant museum or 
memorial. In addition, it would bring the SW Ecodistrict closer to 
fruition.
  I urge my colleagues to support this timely, important legislation.

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