USDA announces disposal of dilapidated facilities

Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden, joined by General Services Administrator Edward C. Forst, announced the imminent disposal of the South Building and Braddock Place, returning resources to the American taxpayer, effectuating the vision of President Donald J. Trump, and reducing the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region.

“This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C. area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers.”

“President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. “The prior administration not only burdened the taxpayer through questionable policymaking but also by maintaining a massive, underutilized real estate footprint that USDA’s budget could not sustain. Today’s announcement cements the beginning of USDA’s larger reorganization, ensuring this Department delivers on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its financial resources.”

“GSA remains committed to executing President Trump’s vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning fiscal drain and empty space into economic opportunity,” said GSA Administrator Edward Forst. “I commend Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership for the proactive approach to meeting the needs of their workforce and saving taxpayer money.”

Today’s event marks the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Reorganization Plan. Each phase will be thoughtful, and completed according to law, and with mindfulness to USDA employees, Congress, and accountability to the American taxpayer.