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Report: DHS St. Elizabeths Project Lacks Funding

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The Department of Homeland Security does not have the funding it needs to complete the capital investment and research and development projects it started, Federal News Radio reports.

As a result, construction at DHS’ new headquarters at St. Elizabeths and plans for the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility at Kansas State University have come to a standstill.

Pursuing both projects requires taking away appropriated funding for mission-critical programs such as border protection and strengthening DHS’ computer networks.

Those scenarios are being deliberated against $4 billion in construction costs needed to consolidate DHS offices.

Each fiscal year 2012 budget subsidy for research and development received a 56 percent deduction compared to their 2010 appropriation, Federal News Radio reports.

DHS has revealed a short term plan that would eventually cost around $1.7 billion and would prioritize infrastructure improvements at the new campus while connecting roadways and finishing the Coast Guard’s new headquarters.

DHS’ new approach would require another 5 years of construction for St. Elizabeths and an added $600 million in funding as construction would be undertaken by project segments amounting around $300 million each, according to Federal News Radio.

Migration of 14,500 DHS personnel would finish by 2022 and DHS also plans to increase headquarter population to 17,000 through hoteling and telework.

The next segment of construction is expected to start by 2014 with the office and secretarial support expected to occupy the main building with between 400 and 500 personnel, Federal News Radio reports.

The White House still hasn’t announced additional funding for St. Elizabeths aside from the amount needed for the road improvements and completion of the Coast Guard’s headquarters under the fiscal year 2013 budget.

 

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