WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement about the House approval of the Billings Courthouse GSA Proposal by the House Transportation Committee by a unanimous voice vote.  This approval is the final action required in the House.

“I spent a lot of time working hard with Republicans and Democrats on the House Transportation Committee so we could get this project approved quickly.  I look forward to the construction of a new Courthouse in Billings to serve the people of Montana.”

In April, Rehberg sent a letter to the Transportation Committee requesting rapid action on this issue:

April 30, 2008

The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chairwoman

The Honorable Sam Graves, Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

U.S. House of Representatives

2165 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairwoman Norton and Ranking Member Graves:

I am writing to request the Committee’s approval of the Courthouse Lease Prospectus for the Federal District Nine Courthouse in Billings, Montana.

This project requires prompt attention as a result of serious safety concerns.  As you may know, the Battin Building which currently serves as the courthouse location has become extremely deficient in its ability to serve its function.  In June, 2006, the chief judge of the District of Montana and the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council requested that the facility in Billings be designated as a judicial space emergency due to unsafe levels of asbestos within the building.  Specifically, the building contains friable asbestos above the ceiling – an area that also serves as the return air plenum for the building.  This condition has resulted in multiple emergency evacuations over the last couple of years and has prevented all but the most essential maintenance and repair work from moving forward.

In response to these concerns, General Services Administration has recommended the ultimate disposal of the current building replacing it with the acquisition of a new courthouse on a leased basis.  Over a 30-year period, it is estimated that this approach would save approximately $24 million – when compared to a previously considered “three tiered strategy” which would involve temporary relocation, renovation of the old building and return to the renovated building.

I look forward to working with you to find a rapid solution to the problems facing the courthouse in Billings, Montana.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Member of Congress