Washington, D.C. 20530

January 13, 2005

MEMORANDUM TO COMPONENT HEADS

The Department has been advised by the Office of Personnel Management, that a large crowd of attendees is expected at the Presidential Inaugural "Celebration of Freedom" event on the White House Ellipse in Washington, DC, beginning at 4 pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. There are planned street closures in an area bordered by Constitution Avenue and E Street, and 15^th and 17^th Streets, NW, on that day to accommodate the celebration. As a result, major traffic congestion is anticipated in the downtown Washington, DC area, specifically affecting Federal workers who commute between Washington, DC, to Northern Virginia.

A Departmental decision has been made that normal business hours will be observed on Wednesday, January 19. However, to reduce the potential for traffic gridlock, you are encouraged to allow liberal leave for your employees, i.e. annual leave, previously earned compensatory time off (where appropriate), or leave without pay. Employees on alternative work schedules (AWS) may wish to schedule their AWS day off or use credit hours (if available) on that day. With supervisory approval under an approved telework agreement, employees may be allowed to work at home or at a telework center. Those employees who choose to report to work on January 19, should consider using public transportation and allow extra time for commuting to and from work.

Questions regarding liberal leave, the appropriate use of leave, or alternative work arrangements should be directed to your servicing human resources office.