B_0809_ATM_GSA

GSA Invests $1 Billion in Recovery Act Construction Projects Nationwide

July 31, 2009

 

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has reached a milestone in its implementation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, as it brought its total investments in construction projects to date to more than $1 billion.

According to GSA Acting Administrator Paul Prouty, the organization’s goal was to obligate the first $1 billion of the $5.5 billion appropriated to them under the ARRA by the end of July. “With that goal met,” says Prouty, “our focus now is to continue to get shovels in the ground as quickly as possible.” The money appropriated to GSA by the ARRA will be used to convert federal buildings into high-performance green buildings and build new energy-efficient federal buildings, courthouses, and land ports of entry.

“These projects will modernize our nation’s infrastructure and save taxpayer dollars by reducing the federal government’s consumption of energy and water, and increase our use of clean and renewable sources of energy,” says Prouty.

GSA’s first $1 billion of ARRA investments are funding projects at 120 buildings across the country, including a new courthouse with updated security requirements in Austin, TX; a land port of entry that will accommodate better commercial traffic flow and will have new primary inspection booths, offices, and processing areas in Otay Mesa, CA; and the installation of energy-efficient, blast-resistant windows and improved insulation at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston.

“Through our use of state-of-the-art green technologies, our construction projects are creating jobs in traditional construction sectors and in emerging green industries,” says Anthony Costa, acting commissioner of public buildings at GSA. “We’re driving growth and innovation that will ensure American leadership in the new energy economy of the future.”

The remaining $4.5 billion of ARRA funding for the GSA will be obligated by Sept. 30, 2011. Prouty stated that contract bids are coming in on an average of 8 to 10 percent lower than expected, allowing GSA to fund additional high-performance features in existing projects. Additionally, GSA is able to consider funding additional projects with the goal of continuing to stimulate the real estate, construction, and manufacturing sectors of the economy.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...