**WASHINGTON – ** The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), has announced the planned disposition of the Agriculture South (Ag South) building in Washington, DC. This initiative is projected to deliver significant taxpayer savings by eliminating costly and underutilized federal real estate.
The move will address a $1.6 billion backlog in delinquent maintenance costs associated with the Ag South building, which is more than 85 percent vacant. According to GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst, "GSA is enthusiastically committed to executing President Trump’s vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning the fiscal drain of empty space into economic opportunity."
By relocating operations and consolidating the USDA’s footprint, the average utilization of USDA workspaces is expected to rise significantly, from the current 15 percent to 80 percent in the proposed location. This shift aligns with comprehensive planning efforts within USDA to modernize its operations while reducing unnecessary costs.
"This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C. area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve", said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. "More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in delinquent maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top-notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers."
The planned disposition marks a critical step in the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to streamline the federal government’s real estate holdings. By prioritizing efficiency, the USDA’s strategy not only reduces taxpayer liabilities but also positions the agency to better serve the agricultural community. Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden emphasized this point, stating, "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."
Beyond the operational improvements, the disposition of the Ag South building is expected to spur economic development in Southwest DC. "This is an opportunity to catalyze economic development in Southwest DC and an important first step as we work to prioritize American tax dollars", added GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst.
The USDA and GSA’s collaborative approach underscores their commitment to fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency as they address longstanding challenges within the federal real estate portfolio. By taking decisive action, they aim to reduce costs, increase productivity, and deliver tangible benefits to the American people.
