Norton Holds Hearing on Old Post Office Building In Preparation for Flood Consideration (4/9/08)

Norton Holds Hearing on Grand Old Post Office Building in Preparation for Floor Consideration

April 9, 2008

Washington, D.C. - The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management announced today that the subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled: Old Post Office Building: General Services Administration's Plans For Future Use", Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 2:00 in Room 2167, Rayburn House Office Building.

The hearing follows Congresswoman Norton's introduction of HR 5001, the Old Post Office Development Act to redevelop the nearly empty Old Post Office building which is on the National Historic Register. In her statement for tomorrow's hearing Norton says "It is bad enough that the government gets no revenue from beneficial use of the space. It is far worse that the building has drained huge sums from the Federal Building Fund. The 2007 rent payments of $5.4 million GSA received from the Old Post Office Building paled in comparison to the total expenses for the property of $11.9 million leading to a deficit of $6.1 million in 2007," Norton explained. "The Old Post Office Building is an underperforming asset and a drain on revenue while its full use, its central location, and unique historic value could provide a handsome financial return to the Government."

Norton, a champion of tourism and historic revival in D.C. also sees the building as an historic tourist attraction that, when renovated, will bring revenue to the city as well. The subcommittee will hear testimony from David Winstead, Public Building Commissioner for U.S. General Service Administration.