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| WILSON SUPPORTS BILL TO USE 517 GOLD BUILDING IN ALBUQUERQUE |
December 18, 2001 |
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| Bill Would Allow For Public/Private Partnerships
WASHINGTON -- Congresswoman Heather Wilson recently cosponsored H.R. 2710, the Federal Asset Management Improvement Act, a bill that would allow the General Services Administration (GSA) to partner with private entities to restore government-owned buildings for future occupancy by government and private organizations. The Gold Building at 517 Gold Street in Albuquerque, would qualify under the bill.
Currently, the federal building in downtown Albuquerque is in disrepair. The property suffers from several design and structural problems that have caused almost all occupants to vacate the building. Because heating and utilities for surrounding buildings are in the basement of 517 Gold, it would be very expensive to tear it down, sell it or restore it with government funds alone.
“Leaving a large building like this vacant in the middle of downtown doesn’t work for Albuquerque,” said Wilson. “An innovative public/ private partnership could be the way forward.”
Under the bill, the GSA would be able to lease Federal real property and develop, rehabilitate, or renovate facilities for use by executive agencies. Government properties that meet specific criteria will be eligible (including investment and market potential). Partnership entities will own and operate the facilities.
Wilson has met with GSA officials about the building as well as Downtown Action Team members. She expects to hold field hearings in Albuquerque in the near future to highlight the importance of this legislation for improving the management of federal property nationwide. |
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