US Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, introduced the Department of Energy (DOE) Forrestal Complex Redevelopment Act, which directs the General Services Administrator (GSA) to redevelop the Forrestal Complex, in Washington DC, through a public-private partnerships (PPP) in accordance with the National Capital Planning Commission's (NCPC) SW Ecodistrict Plan.

Eleanor Holmes Norton stated:

Just as I am working for a public-private partnership for some buildings for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) complex in Ward 8, the DOE Forrestal Complex is a natural fit for this approach.

The Forrestal Complex has the potential to serve as a gateway to renewed development in the downtown Mall section of the District of Columbia.  For years, our Committee has held hearings to encourage the more efficient use or disposal of federal property.  My bill will give DOE a new headquarters and free up centrally located land for mixed-use development.

The bill provides for a modern DOE headquarters, better utilization of federal government office space, more sustainable practices to preserve energy and water, and the possible location of a nationally significant museum or memorial and other mixed uses.  In addition, the bill will bring the Southwest Ecodistrict plan, approved by the NCPC and the District, close to fruition.

In the last few months, GSA released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for two of its properties in close proximity to the Forrestal Complex, the Cotton Annex, and the GSA Regional Office Building, which are part of the SW Ecodistrict Plan. Portions of the Forrestal Complex lie between these two parcels, and their redevelopment also will aid the in the realization of the reconstruction of Maryland Avenue SW and the SW Ecodistrict Plan, which has been embraced by the NCPC and the District.