Drawing on $288 million in funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and General Services Administration (GSA) intend to expand DHS headquarters at St. Elizabeths campus in southeast Washington, D.C.
“Locating more of our agencies together enables the Department of Homeland Security to be more cohesive, efficient and effective,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said. “The Inflation Reduction Act funding announced today will help our Department fulfill its mission to keep our country safe. These projects will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars annually and model modern environmental and sustainability standards.”
Funds will go towards relocating the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Headquarters and Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Headquarters to the St. Elizabeths campus, along with building a new 1,500-space parking garage. The headquarters will have room for approximately 6,500 personnel when work is finished, and cut down on any scattered approaches to its concerns but consolidating them in one building.
Practically speaking, the move will cut total DHS headquarters from 40 separate locations to just six. Economically, the government estimated the move would save taxpayers $1.3 billion over the next 30 years.
The project also provides an opportunity for the Biden administration to flex its Buy Clean initiative, through the use of clean construction materials.
“With this project, we’re modeling a comprehensive approach to sustainability in the federal footprint – using low-embodied carbon materials, new technologies, and a strong partnership on grid decarbonization with the local utility company,” GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan said. “It’s a great example of how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a triple-win: we’re creating good jobs, saving taxpayer dollars, and ensuring a healthier, brighter future for our communities and our kids”.
In announcing the funding this year, it marks a unique anniversary for the DHS’ 20th year of service. The department originally consisted of 22 separate agencies, but has grown significantly since then.