USDA Relocation Plans Moving Forward

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced last week the imminent disposal of USDA’s South Building and Braddock Place, designed to reduce the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region.

“This is a long overdue move to protect the American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C., area when our government should be closer to the producers we serve,” Rollins said. “More than 85% of the South Building is unoccupied, and there’s a $1.6 million backlog in deferred maintenance.”

She also said it’s “unacceptable” to put these costs on the U.S. taxpayer.

“We’re being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top-notch customer service and fulfilling our promise to American farmers,” Rollins added.

“President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. “The prior administration not only burdened the taxpayer through questionable policymaking but also by maintaining a massive, underutilized real estate footprint that USDA’s budget could not sustain. Today’s announcement cements the beginning of USDA’s larger reorganization, ensuring this Department delivers on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its financial resources.”

Last week’s announcement marks the start of the USDA’s Reorganization Plan.

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