Staff Reports
The government’s search for a new FBI headquarters has hit another snag, leaving Maryland and Virginia still competing for the coveted spot. After receiving feedback from officials in both states, the General Services Administration (GSA) has once again adjusted its criteria for choosing the location. This comes after years of complaints about the current FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Maryland and Virginia have been in contention since 2014 when the GSA narrowed down potential sites to Greenbelt and Landover in Maryland, and Springfield in Virginia. Congress directed the GSA to make its final selection with the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Act. However, Maryland leaders were not happy with the criteria or the weight placed on them.
Virginia and Maryland Debate New Criteria for FBI Headquarters https://t.co/P9YYsAX6Sk
— Carol (@Carol38553) July 23, 2023
The criteria for selection included factors like serving the FBI’s mission, transportation, flexibility, equity, and cost. Maryland representatives raised concerns about the weight given to the proximity of the site to the FBI Academy Quantico in Virginia. They also argued that equity should be more evenly weighted.
The GSA has updated the weightings for the criteria, placing greater value on equity and project cost. The Landover location, being the largest site at 80 acres, is privately owned. The Greenbelt location, with 61 acres, is owned by the state and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The Springfield location, with 58 acres, is currently owned by the GSA.
Overall, Maryland representatives believe the Greenbelt and Landover locations would meet the GSA’s equity criteria better and cost taxpayers $1 billion less than building at the Springfield site. It remains to be seen which state will come out on top in this ongoing battle for the new FBI headquarters.
Opinion: It’s no surprise that Maryland leaders are unhappy with the criteria for selecting the new FBI headquarters. They always want things to be stacked in their favor. But let’s be honest, building in Maryland would just be a waste of taxpayer dollars. If the goal is to save money and choose the best location, then Springfield, Virginia is the obvious choice. It’s closer to the airport and to the FBI Academy in Quantico. It’s time for Maryland to stop complaining and accept the fact that Virginia is the better option.
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