Abandoned Fire Stations

Combining Maintenance Operations for the White House Grounds and President's Park

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF Alternative Actions
Action Items
Proposed Plan	No Action	Alternative 1	Alternative 2	Alternative 3
Comprehensive Design
Respect the historic elements and character of President's Park and the White House as a ceremonial landscape for the staging of state events; emphasize a pedestrian-oriented experience, with no surface pa. king and limited vehicular traffic. entryways designed to harmonize with the surrounding architectural and site vocabulary so visitors would feel they were in a special place. Protect resources and prevent additional above-grade development by using existing buildings (where adequate); optimize the size (if feasible) and number of functions in new underground facilities to avoid numerous small facilities and increased costs. Expand the visitor center in the Commerce Building to provide a full range of visitor services, including staging for White House tours and museum exhibits; improve access from the visitor center to the White House visitor entrance building. Maintain two eastbound lanes on E St.; experiment with options such as timed access and crossing assistance to enhance pedestrian safety. Maintain the historic configuration of the Ellipse roadways, but allow only pedestrian uses; develop wide pedestrian paths in the side panels, providing access to gardens and meandering paths; provide a plaza in the northeast portion of the Ellipse for special events, with permanent infrastructure to reduce resource impacts	Continue the present course of action throughout President's Park, with no comprehensive plan to address existing needs or to coordinate the development and appropriate design of elements. Stage public White House tours from the Ellipse during the summer and along the White House fence the rest of the year. Continue to allow surface parking throughout President's Park	Respect traditional use patterns and site relationships; design activities to clarify and reinforce the relationship of President's Park and the White House to the presidency; provide entryways to the site, denoting it as a special place. Where possible, house all major support operations and facilities onsite. Construct a new visitor center beneath the northeast panel of the Ellipse; give visitors opportunities for in-depth educational experiences related to the history of the White House and presidency, including outdoor living history programs. Redevelop E St. as a four-lane roadway. Maintain the historic configuration of the Ellipse roadways, but allow only pedestrian uses; disperse special events around the Ellipse to reduce resource impacts.	Focus on meeting the needs of the many users of the White House and President's Park; visually integrate all site elements, emphasizing north/south views; provide entryways; redesign East and West Executive Aves. as pedestrian streets; develop plazas on the eastern and western portions of South Executive Ave. Construct a new visitor center beneath the south plaza of the Treasury Building; provide a range of interpretive, educational, and passive recreational opportunities. Tunnel E St. to unify the site. Maintain the historic configuration of the Ellipse roadways, but allow only pedestrian uses; provide a special events plaza on the Ellipse, develop the Ellipse side panels as informal gathering areas accented by trees, gardens, and meandering pathways.	Take additional measures to preserve existing cultural resources and landscapes, emphasizing a historical ambience; minimize new facility construction; provide landscaped entryways. Decentralize facilities and disperse them away from President's Park and the White House; provide meeting space and media facilities in the Old Executive Office Building. Expand the existing visitor center provide a high-quality educational experience for visitors, with numerous opportunities to learn about significant site resources. Close E St. to traffic to unify the site. Maintain the historic configuration of the Ellipse roadways, but allow only pedestrian uses, with informal gardens in the side panels; move special events from the Ellipse to other sites in the city.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
Collection Management
Continue present uses of the White House collection. Provide +2,000 square feet of storage space for fine and decorative arts within or immediately adjacent to the White House; assess extent of repairs needed for damaged items onsite and transport to conservators. Provide limited public access to the collection, with approval of the White House curator.	Continue present uses of the White House collection. Continue to store museum pieces offsite and transport to the White House when needed; assess extent of repairs needed for damaged items at offsite facility. Provide limited public access to the collection.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Memorials
Maintain all existing memorials; encourage no new memorials.	Maintain all existing memorials within President's Park. Cooperate with the Fine Arts Commission and the National Capital Planning Commission in the design and placement of new memorials authorized by Congress.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Archeological Resources
Prepare a comprehensive study of probable archeological resources. Conduct archeological recording and monitoring of any ground disturbances within the study area. Make the archeological collection available for research and interpretation.	Conduct archeological recording and monitoring on individual projects as they occurred.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Plant Materials and Soils
Manage and maintain resources such as turf, plant materials, and commemorative plantings. Propagate culturally or genetically significant plant material (e.g., American elms); replace all significant plant material damaged or lost through mortality or development actions with this nursery stock. Conduct an ongoing monitoring program to assess and control damage to vegetation and soils within President's Park Prepare a comprehensive landscape management plan, including guidelines for maintenance practices.	Continue best management practices and other protective measures to protect significant resources such as the American elms.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
HOME AND OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Executive Residences
First Family Recreation Space
Provide additional indoor recreation space either in existing space or belowground adjacent to the White House on the north; maintain existing outdoor areas.	Retain existing limited indoor and outdoor recreation spaces.	Provide additional indoor recreation space under West Executive Ave., maintain existing outdoor areas.	Provide additional indoor recreation space belowground to the north of the White House; maintain existing outdoor areas.	Provide additional indoor space in the west colonnade; maintain existing outdoor areas.
Storage Space
Provide general storage space (10,000 sq. ft.) at the east end of the northside parking garage, with a pedestrian corridor to the Executive Residence; provide additional space on the lower level of the west colonnade.	Continue onsite limited storage; store most materials offsite and transport to the White House when needed.	Provide general storage space (10,000 sq. R.) under West Executive Ave.	Same as alternative 1.	Provide general storage space at the Office of Thrift Savings (8,000 sq. R.) and under West Executive Ave. (2,000 sq. R.).
Grounds Maintenance
Redesign the existing maintenance facility for efficiency.	Retain existing onsite facilities for NPS grounds maintenance activities.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Executive Office Support Services
Visitor Arrivals
Continue to use multiple points for ceremonial and business arrivals. Redesign West Executive Ave. to be similar to East Executive Park, with vehicular access for official and diplomatic arrivals and pedestrian access for staff and business visitors. Provide a new arrival area below West Executive Ave. for meetings and conferences.	Continue diplomatic and business visitor arrivals at various points. Use existing abovearound reception areas.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan except redesign East and West Executive Aves. as broad pedestrian streets, with vehicular access for official and diplomatic arrivals.	Provide for visitor arrivals aboveground on West Executive Ave. at the West Wing entrance, Redesign West and East Executive Aves. as broad pedestrian streets, with vehicular access for official and diplomatic arrivals.
Meeting/Conference Space
Provide state-of-the-art meeting space in a new complex below West Executive Ave.	Provide no additional meeting or conference space within the White House complex; use existing limited spaces in buildings onsite.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Provide meeting space in the internal north courtyard of the Old Executive Office Building.
Staff Access, Parking, and Circulation
Provide 1,140 parking spaces to replace parking removed from West Executive Ave., East Executive Park, the Ellipse roadways, and Jackson, Madison, State, and Hamilton Pl. (in the interim, lease parking offsite): * 290 parking spaces for senior staff on two levels below Pennsylvania Ave., with access from the New Executive Office Building and West Executive Ave. * 850 spaces in a new, two-level parking facility under the Ellipse, with access from 18th St. and Constitution Ave. and underground access tunnels to the northeast and northwest side panels of the Ellipse. Provide an underground pedestrian corridor on the north side of the White House, from the Old Executive Office Building, to the East and West Wings, and to the Treasury Building.	Continue to stage motorcades throughout the White House complex. Continue to allow permit parking along the Ellipse roadways and on other streets in President's Park.	Provide 1,310 replacement and future staff parking spaces: * 290 spaces below Pennsylvania Ave. (same as the proposed plan) * 170 parking spaces under the south plaza of Treasury to meet current and future needs (potential conflict with Treasury Department utility work south of the Treasury Building) * 850 spaces in a new, two level parking facility under the Ellipse (same as the proposed plan) For east/west onsite circulation, provide an underground corridor ( same as the proposed plan)	Provide 1,140 replacement staff parking spaces: * 290 spaces beneath the south plaza of the Old Executive Office Building and State Pl. * 850 parking spaces for other staff leased or built within a 10-minute walk of the White House complex For east/west onsite circulation, provide an underground corridor (same as the proposed plan).	Provide 1,140 replacement staff parking spaces: * 290 parking spaces under Pennsylvania Ave. (same as the proposed plan) * 200 additional spaces by expanding parking at either the Office of Thrift Savings parking garage or the northside facility * 650 parking spaces leased or built offsite for other staff For east/west onsite circulation provide an underground corridor (same as the proposed plan).
Deliveries
Renovate the delivery facility (including three existing loading docks) in the New Executive Office Building, with access from H St. Provide a separate below ground delivery corridor for access to various parts of the site. Continue to allow some large-item deliveries on the surface throughout President's Park.	Continue deliveries at multiple gates and surface locations throughout the White House complex.	Same as the proposed plan plus for eastside deliveries provide two docks in the parking garage south of Treasury.	Provide a delivery facility as part of the parking garage south of the Old Executive Office Building. Continue to allow some large-item deliveries on the surface (same as the proposed plan).	Use existing street-level loading docks in the Office of Thrift Supervision, with an underground delivery corridor to the White House. Continue to allow some large-item deliveries on the surface (same as the proposed plan).
Utilities and Building Systems
Replace and relocate utilities and communication systems, ensuring they are efficient, environmentally sound, easy to upgrade and maintain, and incorporate recommendations from the "Greening of the White House."	Address future "greening" actions.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
News Media Facilities
Upgrade existing facilities on the first floor of the west colonnade, and provide additional facilities beneath West Wing Dr. for presidential briefings and media work and storage space (10,900 sq. ft. total).	Continue to use two levels in the west colonnade for presidential briefings, as well as work and storage space for news media representatives (2,400 sq. ft. total).	Provide new and expanded media facilities under West Executive Ave. (10,900 sq. R. total). Return the west colonnade to the use of the Executive Residence.	* Upgrade existing facilities in the west colonnade (2,400 sq. R.) or * Upgrade first floor facilities in the west colonnade and construct a new facility under West Wing Dr. (10.900 so. R.)	Provide new and expanded media facilities in the internal north courtyard of the Old Executive Office Building (10,900 sq. R.).
VISITOR USE AND SERVICES
Information/Orientation
Provide visitor information and orientation at the entryways to President's Park and the visitor center, using personal services and interactive computer monitors; provide information in various languages. Coordinate the appearance of all information related facilities in accordance with the Design Guidelines.	Continue to provide information/orientation by means of signs at the north and south ends of East Executive Ave., at visitor facilities, and in brochures.	Same as the proposed plan.	Provide maximum visitor information and orientation at entryways and at the visitor center.	Same as the proposed plan.
Visitor Center/Museum
Expand the existing White House visitor center in Baldrige Hall to facilitate White House tours (onsite ticketing, tour staging) and to provide orientation, education, personal services, and White House Historical Association sales (60,000 sq. ft. total.	Continue to provide visitor services in the White House visitor center, including some interpretive activities and general site information. Use the visitor pavilion on the Ellipse for information, food service, and restrooms.	Construct a new White House visitor center (+66,000 sq. R.) underground in the northeast section of the Ellipse.	Construct a new White House visitor center (+40,000 sq. R.) under the south plaza of Treasury and extending along the building's west side adjacent to East Executive Ave. *	Expand the existing White House visitor center (same as the proposed plan).
Interpretation/Education
Focus the interpretive program in the visitor center, and offer various activities and programs about the White House and the presidency. Provide exhibits oriented to people of all ages, with diverse backgrounds, and speaking different languages Conduct an active educational program about White House themes, offer programs both on and offsite; conduct special thematic tours of the White House and its grounds.	Continue to make limited exhibits available in the visitor center and the east colonnade. Provide limited ranger-guided tours, other information programs, or outreach programs.	FOCUS the interpretive program at the visitor center, and offer programs both on- and offsite (same as the proposed plan); provide programs linked to presidential themes. Provide scheduled and impromptu living history programs about the presidency and the White Summary	Provide a limited interpretive program in the visitor center, with numerous interpretive and educational experiences provided throughout the site, and focusing on all significant resources.	Focus a comprehensive interpretive/educational program at the visitor center; offer specialized programs and exhibits, provide minimal outdoor exhibits.
White House Tours
Stage tours year-round from the expanded visitor center, with access through a naturally lighted belowground corridor to a vestibule at Lily Triangle and then on the surface to the visitor entrance building (during the peak season accommodate 5,000 visitors in a two-hour period with a maximum group Size of 250 and 5 minutes between groups). Make public tour tickets available year-round at the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis study alternative arrangements for making reservations for public tours. Continue entrance for mobility-impaired visitors through the northeast gate and the north portico.	Continue to stage tours on the Ellipse from March to September and along the White House fence during the rest of the year. Distribute public tickets for same-day tours year round in the visitor center.	Stage tours from the new underground visitor center on the Ellipse (same tour capacity as for the proposed plan); connect the visitor center and the visitor entrance building by means of a pedestrian corridor. Ticketing and mobility-impaired visitors - same as the proposed plan	Stage tours from the new underground visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building, with visitors taking escalators or elevators up to the visitor entrance building (same tour capacity as for the proposed plan). Ticketing and mobility-impaired visitors - same as the proposed plan.	Stage tours from the expanded visitor center (same as the proposed plan); provide access to the visitor entrance building by either a pedestrian corridor from the visitor center to the entrance building, or a 15th St. underpass to the Ellipse, with visitors walking to the entrance building. Ticketing and mobility-impaired visitors - same as the proposed plan.
President's Park Site Amenities
Allow no commercial service vending on the sidewalks and curb lanes adjacent to the study area, provide no food concessions or vending activities in the park. Encourage nearby food service facilities to offer menu items reflective of park themes. Provide minimal amenities at entryways. Provide benches and other site amenities, such as shaded outdoor gathering places, in the side panels of the Ellipse.	Continue to allow street vendors adjacent to the study area, specifically on 15th and 17th St. Provide minimal site amenities; use temporary equipment (e.g., water bubblers) as necessary.	Same as the proposed plan except provide few site amenities (benches, water fountains. trash receptacles).	Same as the proposed plan except provide more developer site amenities (such as shaded outdoor gathering places and benches on the side panels of the Ellipse and restrooms).	Same as alternative 1
Public Recreation
Continue traditional recreational uses; encourage passive recreation; provide no permanent infrastructure for active sports.	Continue to allow passive and active recreational opportunities, including horseshoes, volleyball, informal softball and football, In-line skating, and walking.	Continue traditional recreational uses; encourage passive recreation; provide no permanent infrastructure for active sports. Discourage active recreational uses by offering programs such as interpretive activities, special events, and concerts	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as alternative 1
SPECIAL EVENTS
In President's Park (No Change to First Amendment Demonstrations)
Allow events that * reflect the purpose and dignity of the site * are small scale and of short duration * involve minimal commercialism * reflect U.S. society and its multiple cultures Require the prompt removal of temporary facilities for events to reduce visual and physical impacts. Redesign the northeast panel of the Ellipse and construct a permanent events plaza/performance area, with unobtrusive infrastructure. Use adjacent hard surfaces to minimize resource impacts. In addition, consider operational procedures to limit the extent of resource impacts (for example, allowing only a certain number of days for setup and takedown activities).	Allow a variety of permitted events to continue.	Require the prompt removal of temporary event facilities (same as the proposed plan). Only allow events that are worthy of first family attendance and that reflect the site's dignity; continue all existing events, but reduce them in scale and duration; ensure that all NPS sponsored special events are inclusive of all U.S. cultures. Disperse events around the Ellipse to allow sufficient time for turf and garden areas to recover from previous events.	The following actions would be the same as the proposed plan: * Require the prompt removal of temporary event facilities * Allow events that reflect the dignity and purpose of the site * Redesign the northeast panel of the Ellipse and construct a permanent events plaza/performance area, with unobtrusive infrastructure. Use adjacent hard surfaces to minimize resource impacts. Allow events that are similar to those currently offered, with a diminished commercial aspect.	Move special events currently held on the Ellipse to alternative sites outside the study area; allow only events associated with First Amendment activities in President's Park.
On White House Grounds
Develop recommendations for special events on the White House grounds to help protect resources (in cooperation with the Executive Residence).	Continue to provide for a variety of events on the White House grounds, including treaty signings, state arrivals, Easter egg rolls, and garden tours.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
TRANSPORTATION
Access and Circulation
Maintain two public eastbound lanes on E St.. (no westbound lanes) and a restricted access lane for official White House traffic; landscape the median between the restricted and public use lanes to create a more parklike settings. ** Experiment with options such as timed closure and crossing assistance to enhance the pedestrian experience and safety.	Maintain the current configuration of E St., with minor aesthetic changes.	Widen E St. to four lanes between 15th and 18th (two eastbound and two westbound lanes); construct a pedestrian underpass from the Ellipse to Lily Triangle. Provide no separate White House access lane.	Tunnel E St., with portals east of 15th St. and west of 17th St.; widen the street between 17th and 18th; allow only official White House traffic at grade along the former E St. alignment	Replace E St. with a pedestrian walkway; allow only official White House traffic along the former E St. alignment.
Public Parking
Provide no surface parking on the west side of 15th St. or the east side of 17th St. (Pennsylvania to Constitution), Ellipse roadways, East and West Executive Aves., Hamilton, State, Jackson, and Madison Pl., south side of H St., E St., and north side of Constitution Ave. Cooperate with the National Capital Planning Commission to develop a public parking and visitor transportation system for the Monumental Core	Continue vehicle parking throughout the study area, with most spaces for staff permit parking and limited public parking available.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Pulic Transit
Encourage mass transit use by visitors and staff, in cooperation with other other D.C. agencies.	No change.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Tour Buses
In cooperation with the National Capital Planning Commission and the District of Columbia, develop a citywide tour bus management plan, with offsite staging areas and downtown shuttle service; determine dropoff and pickup points for tour bus passengers on public tours of the White House at a later time.	Allow tour bus parking around the site, with buses parking wherever they find space, particularly along Constitution Ave. and 15th St.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
SITE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
President's Park Maintenance
Replace and relocate utilities and infrastructure to reduce resource impacts; provide guidelines for landscape maintenance operations; either replace or install lawn irrigation systems. Provide a +4,000 sq. ft. maintenance facility in the Ellipse parking carafe	Continue to use the Hains Point maintenance facility and other offsite support services.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan except provide a +4,000 sq. ft. satellite maintenance facility in an existing or newly constructed facility near President's Park.	Same as alternative 2.
Steamline
Relocate the streamline based on criteria to minimize adverse impacts on park resources.	Retain steamline in existing location across the Ellipse.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
FUTURE STUDIES AND PLANS
Visitor Use and Services: * Interpretive plan (a collaborative effort with all entities onsite) * Ethnographic study of what the White House means to all U.S. cultural groups in order to develop appropriate educational and interpretive programs. Resource Management: Site use capacity determination (visitor experience and resource protection) Home and Office: Long-term parking location study Site Management and Operations: * Landscape management plan * Compatibility of allowing public use in the Ellipse parking garage during evenings and weekends	No additional studies.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.

*Potential conflict with utility work south of the Treasury Building.

** Some temporary interim measures could be considered because of severe traffic problems in the White House area. These measures would be analyzed in a separate environmental compliance document.

TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
Impact Topics
Proposed Plan	No Action	Alternative 1	Alternative 2	Alternative 3
Cultural Resources
Impacts on the Cultural Landscape
The proposed plan would help create a unified character for the White House and President's Park by implementing the Design Guidelines. removing surface parking, and providing new facilities underground. Proposed actions would generally help restore the integrity of historical views from the White House across the Ellipse area to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial, but continued traffic across the park on E St. would still divide the Ellipse from the rest of President's Park and intrude on views south from the White House. Five commemorative trees on the White House grounds could be subject to damage or loss Constructing an underground Ellipse parking facility would constitute an adverse effect as a result of new entry portals that would intrude on formal, ceremonial vistas and the permanent loss of 24 trees (during construction up to 31 trees would be at risk, depending on the construction method). Potential impacts of new surface elements (such as entrance portals to underground facilities) on the settings of nearby national historic landmarks and districts would need to be mitigated through sensitive design. To help protect the overall visual quality of President's Park, any required ventilation and emergency exit facilities would be located in areas outside the primary viewsheds and screened by landscaping and plantings.	The cultural landscape of the White House and President's Park, which is expected to be a site that reflects the dignity and authority of the executive branch of government, would continue to be compromised by vehicle parking in all available areas, traffic on E St. that divides the Ellipse from the rest of the park area, hundreds of deliveries made weekly that impart a disorganized appearance, and special events on the Ellipse that intrude on the scene sometimes for months at a time as a result of setup and take-down activities and adverse impacts to the turf. The cultural landscape would continue to include disparate elements that detract from the site's decorum. Future development could further erode the overall dignity and character of the White House and President's Park. Not addressing impacts from overuse in a coordinated fashion would contribute to a further deterioration of the site over the long term.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: * A new entry to a belowground visitor center in the northeast part of the Ellipse, along with entrance portals to a parking/delivery facility south of the Treasury Building, would permanently intrude on formal, ceremonial vistas. Once these facilities were in place, incompatible activities on the surface would be reduced, but there would be more new intrusions on the southern portion of the park under this alternative than any other. * Two commemorative trees on the White House grounds could be damaged or lost. * Making E St. a four-lane roadway would substantially compromise the character of the entire area and divide the Ellipse from the rest of the park. Park lands would be used to widen the street.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: * Tunneling E St. would remove the intrusion of traffic across the site, allowing all elements of President's Park to be reconnected. Tunnel portals east and west of the park would compromise the setting of adjacent historic structures and districts. * An entrance portal in East Executive Park to a new belowground visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building would be a new element and would draw large numbers of visitors, potentially detracting from the formal nature of the site. * New parking garage portals south and east of the Old Executive Office Building would be new visual intrusions. Creating plazas on the east em and western portions of South Executive Ave. would change the character of the area by creating terraces, with a loss of the current park roadway appearance.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: *Closing E St. and relocating special events on the Ellipse to other sites in the City would allow the south grounds of the White House and the Ellipse area to be visually linked and would remove visual intrusions, complementing the site's formal setting (similar to alternative 2). * Two commemorative trees on the White House grounds could be damaged or lost.
Impacts on Archeological Resources
Large-scale excavations throughout the site would affect archeological resources, which would be mitigated through surveys, monitoring, and recordation. Given the extent of disturbance, mitigation would be both expensive and time consuming.	Potential archeological resources would not be protected in a comprehensive fashion, with a high likelihood of resource degradation and loss over the long term. Impacts on: Historic Buildings and Structures	Similar to the proposed plan except more archeological resources would be subject to disturbance than under any other alternative.	Similar to the proposed plan except the locations of facilities would change.	Similar to the proposed plan except the locations of facilities would change.
Impacts on Historic Buildings and Structures
A more proactive resource management program for historic buildings and structures would help ensure the continued protection of the historic fabric of nationally significant resources. Excavation for the northside parking facility would require that sculptures, trees, and plant materials on the south side of Lafayette Park be temporarily barricaded and that foundation systems at Blair House and the other 19th century row houses west of Lafayette Park be strengthened and shored. Establishing new meeting/conference facilities would help relieve the overuse of historic structures and any deterioration of historic fabric. A new, onsite maintenance facility would eliminate inappropriate uses of historic structures. Security would continue to affect historic buildings and structures but could be mitigated by continued consultation between cultural resource and security agencies. Potential impacts of new surface elements on the setting of historic structures and districts would	The historic fabric of buildings within the complex (including the Old Executive Office Building and Treasury Building) would continue to be subject to substantial deterioration because of the need to use historic rooms and furnishings for meetings and conferences, to continually move items back and forth to offsite storage facilities, and to store items in inappropriate locations, causing safety concerns. With limited indoor recreation spaces for future first families. requests for additional space could have a cumulative adverse effect on historic resources.	Same as the proposed plan except contructing a parking garage south of the Treasury Building could result in possible foundation dewatering problems and other stability questions. The entrance to a visitor center in the northeast portion of the Ellipse and potals to an E St. underpass would be within sight of the historic Treasury Building, and potential impacts would need to be mitigated through sensitive design.	Similar to the proposed plan except constructing a parking garage south of the Old Executive Office Building and a visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building could result in possible foundation dewatering problems and other stability questions for these historic structures. To meet public access requirements for the visitor center, some historic fabric of the south approach of the Treasury Building would be altered.	Similar to the proposed plan, except accommodating meeting and media functions in the interior north courtyard of the Old Executive Office Building, unless entirely belowground, would interfere with the original design of this national historic landmark and constitute an adverse effect that could not be mitigated. Any effects on the integrity of the building with the development of an underground facility would have to mitigated through design.
Fine and Decorative Arts
Short-term storage for fine and decorative arts within or immediately adjacent to the White House would reduce the potential for damage during repeated shipment of pieces. Damaged pieces could be fully assessed before being transported to a conservator.	Because of limbed onsite storage and reliance on offsite facilities, items from the White House collection would continue to be transported back and forth to the site. Without proper emergency storage and stabilization, damaged pieces could potentially be further damaged during shipment. Any loss would be Irretrievable.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Natural Resources
Geotechnical Considerations
Based on existing subsoil and groundwater data, underground construction would be possible without impact to either resource with the following requirements (depending on further site specific studies during design): * replacement of fill with properly compacted structural fill to support foundations * spread footing foundations for moderately loaded structures; a permanent dewatering or drain system below the water table; piles driven into dense sands/gravels or bedrock for heavily loaded structures * possible need for shoring	Ongoing surface replacement activities (sidewalks and other infrastructure) could require the replacement of some fill with appropriate soils.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Impacts on Water Resources
Surface water: Few impervious surfaces would be constructed, with no long-term changes in storm water volumes. Any underground structures would probably have little to no effect on surface water quantity or quality. Groundwater: New underground facilities would probably have little to no long-term effect on groundwater quantity or quality. The addition of minor impermeable surfaces would have a negligible effect on groundwater quantity. Thorough, site-specific groundwater wells and testing would be conducted before any construction to ensure effects would he minimized	No effect.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Impacts on Vegetation and Soils
During construction, an estimated 42 trees would be removed: 5 on the White House grounds, 13 on West Executive Ave., and 24 on the Ellipse. Permanently removing 20 American elms on the Ellipse would represent a 9% reduction of this species in President's Park South. Approximately 52 trees would be at risk during construction: 21 trees on the White House grounds (including 5 commemorative plantings, representing 13% of these historic trees), and up to 31 trees on the Ellipse, depending on the method of construction. Mitigation measures would be applied during construction to preserve trees; disturbed areas would be revered after construction. Where possible, commemorative plantings would be removed, cared for in a nursery, and replanted in the same locations. Soil compaction and turf maintenance would be improved due to the relocation of major visitor activities. Turf impacts on the Ellipse would be eliminated by moving the steamline.	Existing vegetation patterns throughout the study area would remain. The number and location of special events and the current White House tour program would continue to provide substantial stress on trees, soils, and turf on the Ellipse. Soil degradation due to intense use would continue to affect plant materials and drainage. Resources such as the American elms on the Ellipse would receive attention in accordance with the best current practices to solve immediate problems. The steamline would continue to scar existing turf across the center of the Ellipse throughout the year.	Potential impacts to vegetation and soils would be similar to the proposed plan, but slightly greater in magnitude because of the underground visitor cen-ter on the Ellipse and the east-side parking/delivery structure. During construction, about 49 trees would be removed: 17 on West Executive Ave. and 32 on the Ellipse. Most would be replaced after construction; however, permanently removing 13 American elms on the Ellipse would result in a 6% reduction of the elms in this area. Approximately 58 trees would be at risk during construction: 25 trees on the White House grounds (including 2 commemorative trees representing 5% of these historic plantings) and up to 33 trees on the Ellipse, depending on the location of the visitor center and the method of pedestrian corridor construction.	Potential impacts to existing vegetation and soils would be less than under alternative 1 or the proposed plan. The largest losses of vegetation due to construction would be along southern East Executive Park and West Executive Ave., and south of the Old Executive Office Building (including the magnolias in the south plaza). These losses would be temporary and could be replaced after construction.	Vegetation and soil impacts would be less than under the other alternatives. Many Executive Office functions, such as meeting space, staff parking, and general storage, would be provided within existing build-ings, and new development would be limited.
Home and Office of The President
Impacts on Executive Residence Operations
New indoor recreation space for the first family and staff circulation corridors would benefit future first families by helping meet needs for leisure and privacy, providing flexibility in meeting future needs, and offering a greater sense of normal living conditions for both children and adults. The first family's privacy and security needs would continue to be balanced with the public's need for access to the White House. New storage space would make staff operations more efficient and allow spaces now used for storage to be used as they were intended, reducing safety hazards. An underground corridor between the Executive Residence and the storage area would reduce interference with other operations during deliveries.	Existing problems within the Executive Residence related to privacy and onsite amenities for future first families would continue. The lack of adequate onsite storage space would still cause safety hazards, result in the costly movement of supplies and furniture, and the inappropriate use of existing spaces.	Similar to the proposed plan except the use of the West Executive Ave. storage facility could interfere with other residence functions, such as deliveries, because a common corridor would be used.	Same as alternative 1.	Similar to the proposed plan, except providing indoor rec-reation space for the first family in the west colonnade would be desirable because it is directly connected to the Executive Residence, is easily accessible, and is at ground level. Storage locations in the Office of Thrift Supervision and under West Executive Ave. would not be as convenient or accessible to residence staff and could interfere with other functions (such as deliveries) because a common corridor would be used.
Impacts on Executive Office Support Services
New facilities for meetings, parking, delivery, and staff circulation would provide positive benefits to the Executive Office of the President by meeting current and future needs, reducing conflicts with daily operations in the Executive Residence, and protecting significant cultural resources. * Developing state-of-the-art meeting space, with infrastructure for teleconferencing, visual dis-plays, sound, and computers, would allow meeting setups to be handled more efficiently. * Providing 1,140 replacement parking spaces would meet current needs. The 290-space northside parking facility would be immediately accessible to the White House, would offer pro-tection from inclement weather, and would facilitate motorcade operations. An 850-space Ellipse parking facility would be nearby for staff; interim leased parking (within a 10-minute walk of the White House complex) could be perceived as being farther away and less safe; however, shuttles could be provided. Parking costs, whether for spaces in leased facilities or a new federal facility, could become the responsibility of individual employees; if the em-ploying agency paid parking costs, the value of staff parking could be taxed. * Accommodating deliveries through a secure, centralized facility and underground service corridors would minimize present conflicts on the surface between delivery trucks, pedes-trians, and parked and moving vehicles. Also, daily deliveries could be handled more efficiently. * Providing an eastwest corridor for staff access between the Old Executive Office Building and Treasury would reduce conflicts with daily operations in the Executive Residence and public tours	Physical and visual congestion at the White House and President's Park by vehicles and the movement of materials and staff through public and private areas would continue to contribute to a feeling of disorganization and confusion through out the White House complex. Meetings that could not be accommodated in limited meeting rooms would likely be held in historic rooms throughout the site, which have poor acoustics and lack appropriate infra-structure.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: * Providing 1,310 parking spaces within President's Park (the highest number of any alternative) would be the most convenient for staff and would be desirable over the long term. * An eastside parking/delivery facility would make White House operations more efficient by adding parking for diplomatic and business visitors, staff, and guests. It would also provide flexibility for motorcades and deliveries.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: * Only 290 parking spaces would be immediately accessible to the White House complex; 850 offsite spaces could be perceived as being farther away and less safe. * Delivery trucks entering the westside parking/delivery facility would have to make a 180° turn to access the portal, creating congestion for staff vehicles and delivery trucks entering at the same time.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: * Meeting space would be far-ther from the West Wing. * Only 490 parking spaces would be immediately ac-cessible to the White House complex; 650 offsite spaces could be perceived as being farther away and less safe. * Deliveries through the Office of Thrift Supervision would require additional security measures.
Impacts on News Media Facilities
Upgraded news media facilities below West Wing Dr. would provide the press additional work space and state-of-the-art infrastructure for broadcasts.	News media facilities would remain overcrowded and utilities inadequate.	Similar to the proposed plan, except relocating news media functions to new facilities be-neath West Executive Ave. would lengthen the Cress route for members of the press to the press secretary in the West Wing.	Upgrading media facilities in the west colonnade would not solve space or infrastructure problems. New construction and a partial remodeling of the existing facility would provide both access to the press sec-retary and eliminate current space and utility problems.	Providing news media facilities in the Old Executive Office Build-ing would be farther from the press secretary in the West Wing.
Visitor Experience
Impacts on Diplomatic and Business Visitors
The ambience for official visitors would be improved by the consistent use of site design elements and the absence of surface vehicle parking. An underground entrance on West Executive Ave. from the parking garage would provide more direct access for persons attending conferences.	No change. Visitors could notice a lack of consistency in design elements used throughout President's Park. Vehicle parking on the White House grounds would intrude on the formality of the setting.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Impacts on Public Visitors
All aspects of the proposed plan would increase the visitors' sense of being in a special place. Visitor information would be more readily available, procedures for public tours of the White House would be more efficient, and educational opportunities would be increased and more comprehensive. The museum function at the visitor center would provide opportunities to team more about the history of the presidency and first families, as well as of the site. Traffic on E St. would continue to divide the park, making it somewhat difficult for visitors to appreciate the original design intent for the site as a whole, while removing parking would open up sight lines to the White House.	Expectations of first-time visitors would probably be compromised by activities and uses that do not reflect the dignity of the site. Information about activities and White House tours would be somewhat hard for visitors to find, especially after the visitor center in the Commerce Building had closed. While the visitor center would help meet information and interpretive needs, space would be inadequate for indoor staging of public White House tours or for extensively interpreting the significance of the site and the history of the presidency.	Similar to the proposed plan except the visitor center would be underground on the Ellipse and a four-lane E St. would divide the Ellipse area from the rest of President's Park, making it difficult for visitors to appreciate the original design intent for the site as a whole.	Similar to the proposed plan except a smaller visitor center would limit educational opportunities; consequently, outdoor exhibits, specialized programs focusing on the various resources at the site, and additional onsite and offsite interpretive programs would be used to enhance the learning experience for visitors. Tunneling E Street and creating wide pedestrian paths would unite the Ellipse with the White House grounds and the rest of President's Park, allowing visitors to appreciate the original design intent.	Similar to the proposed plan except visitors would be more aware of entering a special, historic district. Closing E St. and creating wide pedestrian paths would unite the Ellipse area with the White House grounds and the rest of President's Park, allowing visitors to appreciate the original design intent (similar to alternative 2).
Impacts on Pedestrians
Eliminating vehicle parking and undertaking various management strategies on E St. would help reduce pedestrian/traffic conflicts. A pedestrian corridor for public tour groups from the visitor center to Lily Triangle would create a safer situation for tour visitors. Unless management strategies were implemented, illegal crossings of E Street between the Ellipse and the south fence of the White House would continue, causing traffic conflicts and safety concerns. The roadways on the Ellipse would be used as wide pedestrian paths leading to gardens and meandering paths, allowing visitors to walk at their leisure or relax. Staff within the site would benefit from the pedestrian-friendly design on West Executive Ave.	Present barriers to pedestrian movements to and through the site, including traffic and parked vehicles, would remain.	The pedestrian experience would be improved by removing parked vehicles within the park, but four lanes of traffic on E St. would exacerbate existing pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. While pedestrians could use an E St underpass, many would still cross E St. near the Zero Milestone to view the White House and take pictures. Visitors taking the White House tour would use the underground corridor directly from the visitor center to the visitor entrance building, avoiding conflicts with E St. traffic.	Tunneling E St. would permanently remove traffic hazards in the southern portion of the site. The absence of traffic and the addition of wide walkways on the Ellipse would do more to improve the quality of the pedestrian experience than under any other alternative except alternative 3. People in East Executive Park waiting to enter the visitor center could cause congestion for pedestrians in this area.	Same as alternative 2 except E St would be permanently closed to traffic.
Impacts on Local Residents
Passive and active recreational uses would be allowed to continue on the Ellipse, although passive uses would be encouraged. No permanent infrastructure would be provided.	Passive and active recreational uses would be allowed to continue on the Ellipse.	Active recreational uses (such as football and baseball) would be discouraged in favor of activi-ties more in keeping with the dignity of the site (such as interpretive activities and concerts)	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Noise Impacts
Traffic noise along E Street would continue, while noise along Ellipse roadways would be reduced with the removal of traffic. Noise within the study area would increase during construction. New noise sources would result from the operation of mechanical equipment for underground facilities. Most proposed facilities would be near roadways used by traffic, so additional noise would be masked. In other areas design considerations would be taken to attenuate noise levels so there would be no additional impact on the experiences of people onsite	The main noise source would continue to be traffic. Noise levels resulting from activities in President's Park would be similar to current noise levels Short-term noise impacts associ-ated with individual construction projects would continue. No new permanent noise sources would be created.	Same as the proposed plan except noise levels along E St between 15th and 17th would be slightly higher than existing levels because of the addition of two lanes of traffic. Temporary construction noise throughout President's Park would be more intensive under this alternative because of more development.	Same as the proposed plan except noise levels at grade along E St. in the center of the park would be lower than they are now because traffic would be underground, but they could be higher between 17th and 1 8th as a result of more traffic that is closer to pedestrians and workers in nearby office buildings.	Similar to alternative 2 because of the closure of E St. except traffic noise would also be reduced on E St. east and west of the park because no road across President's Park would be open to traffic..
Special Events
Impacts on Public Events (No impacts on First Amendment Demonstrations or presidential inaugural parades)
Requiring special events on the Ellipse to meet certain criteria would help protect cultural and natural resources (Such as scenic vistas). These changes could reduce the availability of events to participants, restrict sponsors from participating in events, or result in fewer activities during events. A permanent events plaza (with utilities) would increase the overall efficiency of events and provide an aesthetically pleasing setting. Removing vehicle parking and traffic from the Ellipse roadways would improve the setting for events but background traffic noise on E St. would continue to intrude.	Various special events, some of which would occur over long periods of time, would continue within President's Park, particularly on the Ellipse. Depending on the intensity of events and their duration, the time it takes the site to recover after events could be lengthy.	Criteria for special events would encourage quality events that were worthy of attendance by the first family and would limit the size and duration of events Moving events to various locations around the Ellipse could require new infra-structure and utilities. Remov-ing vehicle parking from the Ellipse roadways would im-prove the setting for special events, make access easier and allow the roadways to be used during events. However a four-lane E St. would create an unattractive and noisy back-ground. The visitor center location would be convenient for event participants. Conversely, event attendees could interfere with White House tours and overwhelm visitor center facilities	Similar to the proposed plan except types and sizes of events would be similar to those currently offered; tun-neling E St. would allow for easy access and movement for event attendees, and the absence of through-traffic would provide a more pleasing background for events.	Removing special events from the Ellipse (other than First Amendment demonstrations) would cause major changes for all event organizers. Without a physical connection to the White House, some events might not be viable at another location.
Impacts on White House Events
Events currently sponsored by the White House on the grounds would continue. New storage space, circulation corridors, and upgraded utilities would allow all events to be staged more efficiently. The staging of garden and Christmas candlelight tours would be easier because participants could be oriented at the visitor center and protected from poor weather while waiting.	Storage and work space to prepare for events would continue to be limited. Many event-related items would be stored offsite and repeatedly shuffled to and from the White House as needed. Many use conflicts, such as multiple deliveries and inadequate work spaces. would create logistical problems in preparing for and staging events.	Similar to the proposed plan except the eastside parking facil-ity could provide parking for guests, particularly for evening and important state events.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan except all activities associated with the egg roll would take place on the White House grounds and would not extend to the Ellipse.
Transportation
Impacts on Access and Circulation
Access to the northside parking facility would be from H St. or West Executive Ave. To prevent further congestion on H St., NEOB access should be limited to fewer than 100 vehicles during the peak hour. For access by way of West Executive Ave., traffic would use the restricted access lane on E St., with State Pl. operating as a one-way westbound street for exiting traffic to avoid additional impacts to the 17th St./New York Ave./ State Pl. intersection. Access to the Ellipse parking facility at Constitution Ave. and 16th St. would cause this intersection to operate over capacity during the morning peak hour as vehicles turned onto 16th St., Constitution now operates under capacity. E St. would remain a one-way eastbound street, and no changes are anticipated to the downtown street system. The proposed plan for E St. is not contrary to the long-term. goal of reducing surface traffic within President's Park. Continued tempo-rary closures of E St. for official events and motor cedes would potentially create congestion on adjacent streets.	E St. would remain a one-way eastbound street, and no changes are anticipated to the downtown street system. Temporary closures of E St. for special events dignitaries' arrivals or departures, and presi-dential movements would continue, causing greater traffic congestion on adjacent streets as drivers tried to find alternate routes.	Same as the proposed plan for access to the northside and Ellipse parking facilities. Access to the eastside parking facility would be from 15th St. and Hamilton Pl., with only right turns allowed for exiting traffic to ensure this intersec-tion operated at acceptable levels. Providing two westbound traffic lanes on E St. (which would be used by about 13,000 vehicles per day) would not provide enough additional traffic flow to improve the level of service on I St. (which operates over capacity throughout the Widening E St. between 17th and 18th for four traffic lanes would eliminate on-street parking and require driveways to be relocated. Instead of widening E St., westbound traffic could be diverted to 17th St. (with re-striping to create two left-turn lanes to New York Ave.), adding more traffic to 17th, which is at over capacity.	Access to the White House complex would be more restricted than under other alternatives, with the main access for motorcades, staff parking, and deliveries by way of 17th St. and State Pl., adding to traffic problems at the 17th St./New York Ave./State Pl. intersection. As described for alternative 1 providing two westbound travel lanes in an E St. tunnel (which would be used by +13 000 vehicles per day) would not provide enough additional traffic flow to improve the level of service on I St. (currently over capacity) and other west-bound streets (under capacity). Driveways to buildings in the 1700 block of E St. would be eliminated by tunnel portals. The E St. tunnel could remain open during official White House events. During construction, eastbound traffic would be rerouted to adjacent streets, causing increased congestion during rush hours.	Access to the northside parking garage from H St. would have the same impacts as described for the proposed plan. However, access from 17th St. and State Pl. to West Executive Ave. would add to existing traffic problems at the 1 7th St./New York Ave./State Pl. intersection because State Pl. would have to operate as a two-way street. Access to additional parking by way of the Office of Thrift Supervision would be through existing portals onto streets with adequate capacity to handle the additional vehicles. The closure and removal of E St. would result in 12,000 vehicles per day being diverted to other east-west streets, which would compound existing traffic problems in this area during the peak periods.
Impacts on Public Parking
A total of 103 on-street, short-term parking spaces would be eliminated, representing 9% of the weekday, on-street parking supply within three blocks of the parking eliminated. An additional 506 spaces available to the public evenings and weekend days would also be eliminated, further constraining the limited on-street parking in this area	The existing parking supply would not be affected. The public would continue to search for parking because existing on-street parking is limited.	Similar to the proposed plan except 16 more on-street spaces would be eliminated along E St. between 17th and 18th to accommodate four traffic lanes.	Same as for alternative 1 (E St. would be widened between 17th and 18th Streets for the tunnel portal).	Same as the proposed plan.
Impacts on Public Transit, Tour Buses, the Tourmobile, and Bicyclists
There would be no effect on Metrobus or Metrorail operations. Parking locations for tour buses would be deter-mined through citywide tour bus management planning by the National Capital Planning Commission and the District of Columbia. Short-term bus parking on 1 5th Street would be eliminated. Impacts of passenger dropoff and pickup locations for White House tour groups would be assessed when specific locations were determined. Tour bus operators could continue to provide drive-by views of the White House on E Street. With the closure of the Ellipse roadways to vehicles, the Tourmobile would have to be rerouted and a new loading area identified. Bicycling conditions would be similar to present conditions except the closure of the Ellipse Dr. to general traffic would improve the experience.	The following impacts would be the same as the proposed plan: * A citywide bus management plan would affect tour bus operations and parking. * Tour bus operators could continue to provide drive-by views of the White House along E St. Continued operation of the Tourmobile along the existing route would not affect traffic circulation on the site and would be convenient transportation for tourists within the Memorial Core. Conditions for bicyclists in the study area would not change.	Similar to the proposed plan.	Similar to the proposed plan except for the following: * Five bus routes would have to be changed because the east E St. tunnel portal would preclude turns from southbound 15th St. east to Pennsylvania Ave. South. * Tour buses could not offer a drive-by view of the White House on E St. * With no surface vehicular traffic on the Ellipse or E St. bicyclists would have a better experience	Similar to the proposed plan except closing E St. would prevent tour bus operators from offering drive-by views of the White House and its grounds but would improve safety for bicyclists (same as alternative 2).
Socioeconomic Environment
Impacts on D.C. Revenues
Annual D.C. revenue losses from parking meters, parking violations, leased parking taxes, and ven-dor licenses/sales taxes by the fourth year of the plan would total an estimated $460,348. The estimated loss would total $10.1 million over 20 years. (These losses include leasing revenues associated with 850 offsite spaces for staff for the life of the plan). This revenue loss would contribute to the larger problem of overall D.C. revenue decline occurring primarily as a result of population and employment losses unrelated to the proposed federal action. The loss could be reduced if vendor spaces were relocated within the downtown core area.	No effects on D.C revenues.	Similar to the proposed plan ex-cept total annual D.C. revenue losses (by the fourth year of the plan) would total an estimated $495,400 and $10 8 million over the 20-year life of this plan. This effect would be greater than under the proposed plan because of the loss of additional parking spaces on E St. west of the park.	Similar to alternative 1 except if an 850-space offsite garage was built in lieu of leasing spaces, the total annual loss to the District would range from an estimated $791,514 to $900,304 because of decreased properly taxes (this impact would extend beyond the life of this plan).	Similar to the proposed plan except annual D.C. tax revenue losses by the plan's fourth year would be an estimated $402,033, and $8.7 million over the 20-year life of the plan (including revenue losses associated with leasing 650 parking spaces offsite). If a 650-space offsite parking garage was built in lieu of leasing, total annual D.C. revenue losses would range from an estimated $643,157 to $729,282 because of decreased property taxes (this Impact would continue beyond the life of this plan).
Impacts on Vendors
The loss of 26 of the 76 roadside vendor spaces available in the President's Park / Memorial Core area would result in an annual loss of $1.4 million in profits and $28.5 million over a 20-year period. If vendors were relocated to other downtown areas, these losses would be reduced.	No effects on vendors.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Impacts on Local Businesses
The loss of 50 time-limited and metered parking spaces on the east side of 1 7th St. next to President's Park would result in minor inconveniences to nearby institutions relying on these spaces for tenants and patrons. Visitors and local users on weekends would also be affected. The possible reallocation of 850 leased parking spaces to the federal government during the life of this plan would represent a 19% reduction in available public spaces and could have an effect on area businesses and office buildings.	No effects on local businesses.	The loss of an additional 16 metered parking spaces between 17th and 18th along E St. (for a total loss of 66 spaces) would result in minor inconveniences to businesses, visitors, and local residents, as well as some additional revenue loss.	Similar to alternative 1 except the E St. tunnel portal on the west would also eliminate four access points along the 1700 block of E St., especially affecting local institutions (the feasibility of alternative access to Corcoran Gallery's delivery facility is unknown). Federal leases for 850 parking spaces would have the same impact as the proposed plan. Alterna-tively, constructing a new federal parking facility would not affect the leased parking supply	Impacts to area businesses due to a loss of leased parking spaces would be the same as alternative 2, and due to the loss of metered spaces the same as the proposed plan. Additional traffic congestion as a result of closing E Street could make nearby ounce space less attractive to tenants.
Construction and Opearation Impacts
Estimated construction would total approximately $276 million over the 20-year life of the plan and would be undertaken in four phases. Other than the creation of short-term, construction-related jobs in both the metropolitan area and the District of Columbia throughout the life of the plan, there would be no significant gains in long-term employment.	No additional effects from construction and operations.	Similar to the proposed plan, except estimated construction costs over the life of the plan would total approximately $318 million.	Similar to the proposed plan except estimated construction costs over the life the plan would total up to approximately $272 million.	Similar to the proposed plan, except estimated construction costs over the life of the plan would total up to approximately $220 million.
Site Management and Operations
Impacts on Site Operations
New facilities and programs would require additional staff; however, operation. could be handled more efficiently overall. A comprehensive landscape management plan would help ensure a consistent level of maintenance for all areas of President's Park.	Using historic rooms in the White House, the Old Executive Office Building, and the Treasury Building for meetings would require staff time to transport equipment and materials to and from offsite storage areas, to so rooms up, and to put them back in order	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.	Same as the proposed plan.
Impacts on Maintenance
Maintenance activities would be more efficient with a maintenance and equipment storage facility as part of the Ellipse parking garage, with the re-moval of parking on the Ellipse, and with the development of a special events plaza. An onsite maintenance facility would reduce drive times. More informal garden areas on the Ellipse would increase site maintenance work.	Maintenance operations would be affected by the offsite location of key support services and supplies.	Similar to the proposed plan, ex-cept reducing the size and duration of special events, and rotating them around the Ellipse, would help minimize impacts on site resources, thus reducing staff time to rehabili-tate turf and garden areas.	Impacts of a satellite maintenance facility would be similar to the proposed plan and Alternative 1 except the facility would be slightly farther away, increasing staff drive times. Providing a special events plaza and removing Ellipse parking would improve operations (same as the proposed plan).	Same as alternative 2 except moving special events out of the Ellipse area would reduce staff time spent rehabilitating disturbed turf and garden areas.
Impacts on Utilities
Electric, gas, telephone, and water lines under Pennsylvania Ave. would be bored beneath or temporarily relocated during construction of the parking garage and access corridors. Sewers under 15th St. and the Ellipse would also require relocation; if storm and sanitary sewers were combined, separate lines would be required for the length of the replacement. The largest line to be crossed would be the 9'8~ combined storm/ sanitary line that bisects the northwest corner of the Ellipse.	Utilities would be affected by individual construction projects throughout President's Park.	Similar to the proposed plan, but the locations of impacts would differ. Unlike the other action alternatives, no utility impacts would occur on 15th and 17th St.	Numerous utilities would be affected by the construction of an E St. tunnel, including the relocation of the 9'8N sewerline across the Ellipse. Construct-ing a parking/delivery facility south of the Old Executive Office Building and a visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building would also affect utilities at these sites.	Similar to the proposed plan, but the locations of impacts would differ.