The Judiciary has been working closely with Congress, the Executive Branch, and the public sector to ensure that federal courthouses are constructed in the most effective and efficient manner, a federal judge told a Senate subcommittee today.
Judge Robert C. Broomfield, chairman of the Committee on Security, Space and Facilities of the Judicial Conference of the United States, listed a series of goals that exist for each new courthouse. He told the subcommittee that necessary steps should be taken so that the buildings "are not only functional and safe but reflect the best of contemporary American architecture of the communities where they are being built; that they exhibit the vigor and energy of the federal government; they engender in the users and the public a respect for the tradition and purpose of the American judicial process; that they will meet the needs of those who conduct business in them far into the next century; and that they represent real value to the taxpayers."
Judge Broomfield testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He was accompanied by Judge James M. Rosenbaum, a member of the Committee on Security, Space and Facilities and chair of the Space Standards Subcommittee; and Gerald Thacker, Assistant Director for Facilities, Security, and Administrative Services of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
In discussing courthouse construction needs for Fiscal Year 1996, which begins October 1, 1995, Judge Broomfield noted that each project has been in the planning stage for two to three years and has undergone extensive review within the Judiciary and the Executive Branch. In addition, he told the subcommittee, every project is within GSA's construction benchmarks and represents the least expensive way of providing the needed space. GSA has estimated that taxpayers will save at least $220 million in present value dollars over the life of the buildings if the new facilities are built. Since the budget resolution calls for a reduction in federal construction, it is unlikely that all the structures will be funded. Judge Broomfield said that the Judiciary would be pleased to work with GSA and Congress in developing methodologies and criteria for FY 96 construction needs.
"The Judicial Conference's Committee on Security, Space and Facilities and the Judicial Conference itself have been sensitive to budgetary constraints and have been focusing on them for the past several years," Judge Broomfield said in his testimony. "Let me assure you that the Judiciary is committed to working with your committee and others in the Congress to ensure that the scarce resources available are put to their best use."