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FACILITIES PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, RESTORATION AND RENOVATION

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The Smithsonian's responsibility for its facilities and the activities they house requires a continuing program of repairs and maintenance (some of which is accomplished by staff with funds provided in operating budgets), renovations and restorations, and new construction. The objectives of this program are to provide appropriate, safe, and accessible facilities for research, education, and care of collections. Federal appropriations are the primary source of funds for this work, but, starting with the funding of the original Smithsonian Institution Building, other sources of funds have at various times become available for particular projects.

Beginning in the mid-1970's, the Smithsonian established improvement of its facilities and their operation as one of its highest priorities. This decision to emphasize building repairs and improvements through the budget process reflected the Institution's great concern for the condition of its buildings, many of which date back to the turn of the century, as well as the realization that many more millions of dollars were needed each year than had been expended in the past.

In the last five years, considerable progress has been made in determining the extent of which additional facility support is required. A number of critical projects have been completed and a number of other major projects have been started on a phased basis. These projects are neither glamorous nor unusual, but include periodic work such as roof replacements, terrace waterproofing, replacing worn out heating and air conditioning equipment, fire detection and suppression improvements, etc. These and other repair and improvement requirements are currently estimated to cost about $52,800,000 from FY 1982 to FY 1986, or about $10,000,000 to $12,000,000 annually.

In addition to safety and proper operation of existing buildings, the Smithsonian has in recent years required development of major new facility resources for collections management and replacement and upgrading of deteriorated and inadequate facilities mostly at research field stations at Edgewater, Maryland; Mt. Hopkins, Arizona; in Panama; and also at the Zoological Park in Rock Creek and at the Zoological Conservation Center at Front Royal, Virginia.

Redevelopment of the Zoological Park began slowly around 1970 and steadily accelerated to a point where now only one major exhibition project and several improvement projects remain. About $43,000,000 of work has been accomplished and about $25,000,000 of work remains. Modernization of the Zoo is one of Washington's proudest achievements.

A milestone achievement has been Congressional authorization and appropriation for construction of a Museum Support Center at Suitland, Maryland.