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Institution has recognized the requirement for a centralized parking facility at Rock Creek.  Such a facility would allow the return of several surface parking areas to animal exhibition spaces and also increase green space around the central exhibition area of the Park.  The proposed parking garage would include approximately 900 spaces compared to the existing 300 spaces on the site contiguous to the present General Services Building.  At the same time, overall numbers of parking spaces at the Zoo would increase.  A pedestrian walk and tunnel would be constructed to allow visitors unimpeded access to the central Zoo animal area.

[[underlined]]Rock Creek Repairs and Renovations.[[/underlined]]  In addition to the Redevelopment Master Plan, the Zoological Park is responsible for a continuing program of major maintenance and repair for its sixty separate facilities and extensive network of paths, roadways, and landscaped areas.  Over $1,000,000 will be required annually for structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs; renovations; animal support and housing requirements; and grounds, roadways, and utility repairs and improvements.

[[underlined]]Conservation Center Development Plans, Renovations and Repairs.[[/underlined]]  Since acquiring the Front Royal site in 1975, the Zoo has been engaged in a program designed to occupy and hold the land including some emergency repairs.  The Institution has retained serviceable structures for use where there is clear need, and is demolishing deteriorated and unusable structures.  Most of the animal containment fencing is in place for major paddocks and for the overall site, and most of the initial repairs to essential utilities and buildings have been completed.  Total repair and planned development costs spanning FY 1984-1988 for the Conservation Center are estimated to be approximately $9,500,000.  In FY 1984, $2,500,000 is expected to permit the Conservation Center to advance in coordination with Rock Creek construction.  Projects include additional small animal facilities and design and construction of a new veterinary hospital.

[[underlined]]Restoration, Renovation and Other Construction[[/underlined]]

The Restoration and Renovation of Buildings (R&R) account is used to fund building repairs, alterations and improvements, as well as the construction of additions to existing facilities and minor new facilities.  Substantial annual funding is required in order to assure the maintenance and preservation of the Institution's buildings; to provide a safe environment for visitors, staff and collections; and to meet program objectives.

The Institution's building and other facilities (other than the Zoo) consist of twelve museum and gallery buildings in Washington, D. C. and New York City housing research and collections management activities and a wide range of exhibitions in the fields of science, history, technology, and art.  Also included are the Radiation Biology Laboratory in Rockville,