Schumer Calls on GSA to Immediately Investigate and Rectify Mold Growth at Buffalo Federal Courthouse; GSA Must Chart a Course to Keep Building On Track and On Budget

Press Release

Today, US Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the U.S. General Services Administration Administrator Martha Johnson to develop an action plan to keep the construction of the Buffalo Federal Courthouse on track and on budget, in light of recent reports of mold problems and condensation. Schumer has been a major supporter of the construction of this courthouse, and has worked to deliver the resources necessary to bring the building to western New York. The report of possible mold growth is the most recent in a long string of delays to the federal courthouse construction since its start in October of 2007. Schumer is calling on the GSA to promptly address and eliminate the causes of the condensation, in addition to assessing the construction progress overall, so that the planned building opening and budget remain on track. Schumer indicated that all contractors, from the builders to the architect, must be held accountable for any possible mistakes, and that they must promptly rectify any issues.

"GSA must immediately address and fix any and all issues at the Buffalo Federal Courthouse to keep this project on track and on budget," Schumer said. "I have worked long and hard with my delegation partners to bring this anchor project to Downtown Buffalo and GSA must make sure that we get across the finish line while protecting taxpayers. From the architect to the builders, who must be accountable, the GSA must make sure that any mistakes are identified and rectified ASAP."

When construction began in October 2007, government officials planned to open the courthouse in July 2010. Since then, the planned opening date has been delayed three times, mainly due to concerns about the glass panels that will encase the building. As a result of the recent condensation problems, authorities have said they do not know if the building will come in under budget. Schumer states that the grand opening of the courthouse, an important public project, cannot continue to be pushed back, especially at the risk of additional cost to the taxpayer. The GSA must investigate and mitigate the reported condensation in the courthouse as quickly as possible, before any serious mold damage occurs.

Schumer calls on the General Services Administration to immediately investigate the condensation that is evident at the construction of the Buffalo Federal Courthouse. He urges the Administration to evaluate the risk of mold growth, and then chart a course to keep the construction plan on track and on budget.

"This is the largest construction project in the area in any recent time -- it has been a rare bright spot during these tough economic times -- and timely completion is essential to both the building's function and the project's cost," Schumer added.

A copy of Senator Schumer's letter to GSA Administrator Martha Johnson appears below:

March 8, 2011

Martha N. Johnson
Administrator
U.S. General Services Administration
One Constitution Square
1275 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20417

Dear Administrator Johnson,

As someone who has worked assiduously to deliver the resources necessary to construct a new federal courthouse in Western New York, I write to urge the General Services Administration (GSA) to quickly get to the bottom of problems occurring at the Buffalo Federal Courthouse, currently under construction. These issues threaten to further delay the building's opening, currently scheduled for August of this year.

Since construction began in October of 2007, there have been numerous delays. The most recent, troubling reports reveal mold and condensation problems within the building's walls. These problems must be addressed by all parties involved as fast as possible to keep this building on track and on budget. A grand opening was scheduled for July of 2010, but that date and several subsequent completion deadlines have slipped by. Concern about the delays is growing every day, and with new problems arising, taxpayers are wondering if they will be left to pick up the tab.

To address this situation I request that: (1) the GSA immediately ferret out answers from the contractors and architects working on the courthouse, (2) that it formulate an analysis and plan for rectifying this issue within current deadlines, and (3) that it share this analysis and action plan with me, and with the people of Western New York. If it is found that mistakes were made, those mistakes should be rectified without further burdening taxpayers. The bottom line is, we need answers and an action plan.

The construction of the new Buffalo Federal Courthouse is one of the largest construction projects for the area in recent memory. The economic impact of its construction has been a huge lift for the region as it struggled through the recent economic downturn. Now it is critical that we refocus our energies to get this project beyond the finish line so that it can fulfill its function as a critical public amenity for the people of Western New York. If the current contractors and architects on the project are not up to the job, we must move swiftly to ensure that capable contractors are employed so that the project is completed in a timely manner.

I have long been a champion of this courthouse, and fought hard to get the necessary funding for its construction. We all look forward to this project being completed, but in the meantime, the GSA needs to address these serious concerns. I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue. Please contact Laura Monte, Buffalo Regional Director, at 716-846-4111 for follow up purposes.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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