Congress is considering significant renovations to several federal buildings, while the architect of the Capitol is warning against further delay.
Whatever form the renovations take, they are likely to be more environmentally friendly than previous efforts to preserve federal buildings and infrastructure.
The architect of the Capitol estimates that the U.S. Capitol complex needs $3.2 billion in new construction and enhancements to its infrastructure after years of deferred maintenance. The complex comprises the Capitol, the House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court and other support facilities.
“Our experience has shown that if building systems are not replaced or repaired at the end of their expected life, the rate of emergency failures increase dramatically,” Stephen T. Ayers, acting architect of the Capitol, said in testimony before Congress this week.
Mr. Ayers testified before a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee seeking an update on the complex and the new Capitol Visitor Center as its members consider funding.
The architect of the Capitol oversees 16.5 million square feet of building space spread over 450 acres. The list of properties is growing, most recently with the visitor center, which is scheduled to open in November.
“Our buildings range in age from 27 years old for the Library of Congress’ Madison Building to 100 years old for the Cannon, Russell and Jefferson buildings to 200 years old for parts of the Capitol Building,” Mr. Ayers testified.
He described a growing “bow wave” of unfunded needs for Capitol Hill property, adding that $900 million is required for “high priority” needs.
Deferred maintenance was included in the costs for a master plan the architect of Capitol is compiling to guide congressional spending. The previous master plan, written in 1981, is outdated because of new buildings and energy efficiency requirements.
The architect of the Capitol’s plans must adhere to Energy Policy Act of 2005 guidelines, which set goals for reducing energy consumption from 2006 through 2015.
More efficient lighting, water and heating systems reduced the complex’s energy consumption by 6.5 percent in fiscal 2006, according to the architect of the Capitol.
The visitor center represents one of the Capitol’s best examples of “green” building design, Mr. Ayers said. Construction of the $554 million center started in June 2000. It is designed with an underground museum, statues and exhibits.
The three-floor underground structure is being built with a storm-water-management system, compact fluorescent light fixtures, low-flow bathroom fixtures and low-emission construction materials.
Despite concerns about cost overruns for the visitor center, subcommittee members generally agreed that the Capitol complex needs a new master plan.
“The growing needs of the complex have partly arisen because project funding has been done in a helter-skelter fashion,” said Rep. John L. Mica, Florida Republican.
• Property Lines runs on Thursdays. Call Tom Ramstack at 202/636-3180 or e-mail tramstack@washingtontimes.com.
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