The fine print of President Obama's 2014 budget proposal revealed a big commitment to St. Elizabeths re-development. Rep.Eleanor Holmes Norton tells us the funds are a clear sign that the project will be seen through. (Did the President say anything about the Trump Hotel? Those guys are friends, right?)
The budget includes $367M for continued construction of the DHS HQ on the campus, and Norton (here with StonebridgeCarras' Doug Firstenberg) told us Friday that the commitment isn't so much about a dollar amount, but what the funds will provide--such as rehabbing the building the department Secretary will set up shop in, as well as added conference and meeting space.
While there's no set timetable ("it should have taken six to seven years, now it might take twice as long," Norton says), the $367M is "a real pickup" in finishing the job. And perhaps the completion of the Coast Guard HQ this summer (above, on the west campus of St. E's) could further jump start the proceedings. (Wouldn't it be great if all buildings were shaped like the letter they're named after?)
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