U.S. General Services Administration
GSA Announces $947 Million Courthouse Investment Plan
Funding to Provide Economic Growth Across the Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is set to begin work on eight courthouse construction projects identified by the federal Judiciary as their top priorities. GSA’s plan, which was submitted to Congress today, includes $787 million for new construction and $160 million for repairs and alterations to existing facilities.
This investment allows GSA to leverage the resources of our agency, and the federal government, to foster economic development in local communities across the country.
“This investment in our federal courthouses will serve as a catalyst for economic development in these local communities, while addressing the space constraints and security challenges in these aging facilities,” said GSA Administrator Denise Turner Roth.
The proposed spending plan will bring new federal courthouses to Nashville, Tenn.; Des Moines, Iowa; Greenville, S.C.; Anniston, Ala.; and San Antonio, Texas. It will also provide for new courthouse annexes in Toledo, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; and Savannah, Ga., to go along with renovations of the James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse (Toledo), the Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse (Charlotte), and the Tomochichi U.S. Courthouse (Savannah).
“This is a much needed and welcomed step in replacing unsafe, overcrowded and inefficiently designed courthouses,” said James C. Duff, director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. “We are grateful that Congress has appreciated that our judiciary-wide cost containment initiatives have saved money, and has also recognized our most serious needs.”
“The majority of the funded projects have been on the Judiciary’s construction priority list for more than 15 years,” said Judge D. Brooks Smith, chair of the Judiciary’s Space and Facilities Committee. “Working with the GSA, we have planned appropriate facilities that satisfy the housing and security needs of these courts in an innovative and cost-efficient manner.”
In addition to these eight communities, the plan includes $29.5 million for continued feasibility studies and preparation work for Judiciary housing needs in Harrisburg, Pa.
All new courthouse and renovation projects will be completed in accordance with the U.S. Courts Design Guide, meet the 10-year space needs of the court and court-related agencies, and be consistent with the application of courtroom sharing policies.
The House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and the congressional committees that authorize courthouse construction, must approve the investment plan before construction activities can begin. The exception to this is the Nashville Federal Courthouse which is fully funded and does not need additional authorization.
Additional Resources:
- GSA FY2016 Courthouse Investment Plan Breakdown [PDF - 133 KB]
- FY 2016 Funding Meets Judiciary Needs - U.S. Courts Release (12/21/2015)
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