ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Executive Office Support Functions-Impacts of the following actions would be the same as those described for the proposed plan and alternative 1.

* A new meeting facility beneath West Executive Avenue would relieve some impacts on historic resources by offering alternative locations for meetings. Development would be adjacent to two national historic landmarks-the Old Executive Office Building and Lafayette Square. Any potential impacts would need to be mitigated through sensitive design.

* Cultural resource impacts related to onsite traffic, including motorcades and security vehicles, would be minimal, consisting of airborne pollutants and visual intrusions on the historic landscape. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, garage air and filtering systems in underground parking facilities would lessen the potential for some air pollution and airborne damage to stone and metallic resources.

* The placement of security equipment could continue to have effects on historic fabric within the White House and the cultural landscape. Mitigations for effects would be developed through a continuing dialogue between the National Park Service and the U.S. Secret Service.

Constructing a belowground parking facility south of the Old Executive Office Building would require mitigating measures to protect the stability of this national historic landmark. The building's 1879 foundations consist of a stone and concrete pier system. Possible impacts that would need to be addressed through mitigations include dewatering and stability problems.

News Media-New or upgraded media facilities would help alleviate some effects on historic resources caused by traffic patterns, insufficient work space, and inadequate utilities, resulting in electrical hazards. Upgrading existing space and/or developing additional space below West Wing Drive would reduce impacts on resources by better accommodating circulation patterns, providing proper storage for equipment to eliminate current storage in corridors and work spaces, and upgrading utilities to reduce fire hazards.

Visitor Use and Services. The construction of an underground visitor facility adjacent to the Treasury Building would require a careful assessment of the foundations and underpinnings of the building's various additions (1836 60). Dewatering of the foundations as a result of construction could affect the building's structural integrity, which would have to be mitigated during design.

The visitor center would require an entrance area on the east, which would require some alteration of the historic fabric of the south approach to the Treasury Building in order to comply with public access requirements.

Conclusion

Impacts would be similar to those described for the proposed plan, except constructing a parking facility south of the Old Executive Office Building and a visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building could result in possible foundation dewatering and stability problems that would need to be mitigated during design. To meet public access requirements for the visitor center, some historic fabric of the south approach to the Treasury Building would be altered.

Impacts on Fine and Decorative Arts

Providing proper emergency storage and stabilization facilities would help ensure that

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valuable pieces of the museum collection would be further protected from damage or loss. This facility would also allow some pieces to be kept onsite, reducing the potential for damage during shipment.

Natural Resources

As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, the construction of belowground facilities could affect and be affected by local subsoil and groundwater conditions. Appendix E lists the proposed construction method (cut/cover or tunneling) for each underground structure. Vegetation and soil mitigation measures to protect vegetation during construction are outlined in the "Mitigating Measures" section.

Also as described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, many of the proposed actions have only been conceptually designed. When final designs were undertaken (once a proposed plan has been approved and funding acquired), an environmental assessment would be conducted in order to (1) analyze site-specific impacts, (2) ensure that all facilities and design details are in concurrence with the proposals and guidelines presented in this document, and (3) identify measures to minimize or mitigate impacts to all resources and site activities.

Geotechnical Considerations: Subsoils and Groundwater

Geotechnical site constraints and construction issues would be generally the same as those outlined in the proposed plan. The E Street tunnel would be of particular concern. Further study and field testing, including soil borings, groundwater monitoring wells, and a hazardous material investigation, would be required for all structures, as indicated in the proposed plan.

Impacts on Water Resources

Impacts on surface and groundwater would be the same as for the proposed plan, including the reduction of oil, gas, and other waste contaminants in runoff from surface parking areas on the Ellipse and West Executive Avenue.

Impacts on Vegetation and Soils

Analysis

As discussed for the proposed plan and alternative 1, existing vegetation or vegetation patterns could be changed as a result of underground construction. Trees or shrubs removed or lost during construction would be replaced in kind with stock from an NPS nursery or other cooperating horticultural institutions; however, the plants would likely vary in size from existing vegetation. Some trees would be permanently lost and not replaced. Damage to commemorative trees would be avoided where possible.

White House Grounds and West Executive Avenue. Vegetation north of the West Wing along West Executive Avenue and on the north side of the White House would be affected by excavations for proposed meeting, news media, staff circulation, and recreation facilities, as discussed under the proposed plan. Up to five commemorative trees' a number of elms, and several 100-year old trees on the western edge of the north lawn would be at risk during construction. Oaks would be removed along West Executive Avenue. A substantial amount of vegetation that lines the north areas of the White House would also be at risk.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

As described for the proposed plan, the redesign of the NPS grounds maintenance facility on the south grounds of the White House would require special measures to ensure the protection of adjacent vegetation and gardens.

Developing a White House visitor center and museum on the east side of the complex (under East Executive Park and south of the Treasury Building), a parking facility south of the Old Executive Office Building, and a meeting facility under West Executive Avenue would require the removal of large amounts of vegetation, including 37 trees (oaks and other species) lining the eastern and western portions of South Executive Avenue and the majestic magnolias south of the Old Executive Office Building.

First Division Monument. Trees and turf areas in the northwest and southeast corners of the First Division Monument would be at risk as a result of constructing the westside parking/delivery facility and the pedestrian plaza on the east side of the monument.

Ellipse. Impacts on vegetation and soils would be substantially less than those described for the proposed plan and alternative 1 because development on the Ellipse would be limited.

The special events plaza could require the permanent removal of three to four American elms. The events plaza would help prevent soil compaction, repeated turf damage, and perhaps the loss of other trees by concentrating crowds and infrastructure for special events in the northeast corner of the Ellipse. Staging White House tours from the underground visitor center near Treasury would also eliminate continual damage to both soils and turf on the Ellipse

Areas outside President's Park. Portals to the E Street tunnel under this alternative would encroach on the sidewalks between 17th and 18th Streets and would require the removal of all street trees.

Conclusion

Overall 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 the eastern and western portions of South Executive Avenue, and south of the Old Executive Office Building, including the magnolias around that building's south plaza. These losses would be temporary; trees and shrubs would be replanted after construction.

Home and Office of the President

Impacts on Executive Residence Operations

Analysis

As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, noise from construction and the visibility of construction activities could intrude on peace and quiet for the first family. Measures to minimize disruptions would be identified before any construction was started

Indoor Recreation Space and Privacy. Indoor recreation space and staff/delivery corridors would provide more privacy for the first family, as described for the proposed plan and alternative 1.

Storage. Providing storage for the Executive Residence under the northern section of West Executive Avenue would have impacts similar to those described for alternative 1. Storing frequently used furnishings, equipment, and supplies onsite, and removing items from inappropriate storage places in corridors and

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Impacts of Alternative 2: Home and Office of the President

working spaces, would help make operations more efficient and eliminate safety hazards.

Public Access. As described for the proposed plan, the desire for public access to the White House would have to be balanced with other uses and functions. Public access could be interrupted or canceled because of state functions or presidential business.

Conclusion

As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, providing new space for indoor recreation and staff circulation corridors would provide flexibility and additional privacy. The first family's need for privacy would continue to be balanced with the public's need for access to the White House.

New storage space would increase the efficiency of Executive Residence operations and allow existing space being used for storage to be returned to more appropriate uses. As described for alternative 1, the use of the West Executive Avenue storage facility could interfere with other residence functions, such as deliveries, because a common corridor would be used.

Impacts on Executive Office Support Services

Analysis

Visitor Arrivals. Flexibility for accommodating arrivals by diplomatic and business visitors would continue. Diplomats and business visitors would also be able to enter the White House from the belowground parking facility south of the Old Executive Office Building. Visitors attending White House conferences could also arrive belowground at the meeting facility. Removing parked vehicles on West Executive Avenue would allow easy access to the West Wing entrance for diplomatic and business vehicles, which could then enter the underground parking garage.

Arrivals would continue to be accommodated at the entrance to the West Wing on West Executive Avenue, at the entrance to the East Wing on East Executive Avenue, and at the north and south porticos. Access to West Executive Avenue would be from 17th Street and State Place; access from E Street would be available only for emergency vehicles and motorcades.

Meeting/Conference Space. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, providing meeting/conference space beneath West Executive Avenue would make presidential staff operations more efficient, particularly in preparing for and hosting conferences.

Parking. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, replacement parking would be provided for all surface parking that was removed within President's Park and the White House complex.

A 290-space, two-level parking facility for motorcades, diplomats, and senior staff under the south plaza of the Old Executive Office Building would replace parking currently provided along West Executive Avenue, East Executive Park, courtyards in the Old Executive Office Building, and State and Hamilton Places. An area for staging presidential and diplomatic motorcades would also be provided within the facility, as well as delivery docks. Similar to the proposed plan and alternative 1, this facility would be within a secured area, would provide protection from inclement weather, and would allow flexibility in staging motorcades. An underground parking facility would also eliminate congestion caused by parked and waiting vehicles on East and West Executive Avenues. Motorcades could continue to be staged on the

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surface, as needed, in addition to underground operations. Adequate space would be available for vehicles and drivers waiting for diplomats and other official visitors.

Two portals into the parking facility, each accessing one level, would allow uses to be separated, as needed. A portal along West Executive Avenue would be used for presidential and diplomatic motorcades and West Wing visitors, and a portal along State Place would be used for senior staff end deliveries. These separate access points would reduce conflicts between staff parking and official visitor/motorcade functions.

Easy underground access would be provided from the parking facility to the West Executive Avenue facility and to the West Wing. Visitors could be dropped off on the surface or underground in the parking facility. Vehicle movements along State Place could get congested as vehicles make 180° turns when entering and exiting the garage. While this parking facility was being constructed, interim parking would be leased offsite. Special provisions would be required to maintain access to the White House complex.

Approximately 850 parking spaces for other White House staff would be provided by either leasing parking spaces or constructing a new federal facility within a 1 0-minute walk of the complex. This action would provide protection from weather, would eliminate the theft and damage that has occurred to cars on the Ellipse, and would eliminate competition for parking spaces that occurs on the Ellipse. However, some employees perceive parking outside President's Park as being farther away and less safe than existing parking. The use of leased spaces would allow the number of spaces to be adjusted to fit future needs, whereas no additional surface parking can be provided. Under this alternative leasing would continue beyond the life of the plan, unlike the proposed plan and alternative 1 where leasing would be only for the life of the plan and a new facility would be constructed. Some form of security would be needed for any new facility.

Similar to the proposed plan and alternative 1, providing parking for White House staff (either in leased parking spaces or in a new federal facility) would likely increase employee parking costs beginning the fourth year of the plan. In accordance with current federal policies, parking costs are paid by employees. Monthly leased parking rates for the downtown D.C. area in 1996 averaged $146.

Deliveries. New underground delivery facilities south of the Old Executive Office Building would accommodate many of the daily deliveries, with distribution throughout the complex by way of underground service corridors. As described for the proposed plan, conflicts with other site activities (for example, between delivery trucks, parked vehicles, pedestrians, and service equipment in surface locations surrounding the White House) would be minimized. Some surface deliveries, especially for large items, would continue to be made throughout the complex.

Deliveries could be impeded by parking operations. The need for delivery trucks to make a 180° turn to enter the portal would be difficult for larger trucks, requiring a three point turn and potentially causing congestion at the portal entrance. Additional security equipment and staff would be required to screen vehicles entering the State Place portal.

Staff Functions. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, providing underground pedestrian and service corridors would reduce conflicts with other activities and eliminate the need to use the ground floor of the White House as an access corridor. Providing better information and orientation for

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Impacts of Alternative 2: Visitor Experience

visitors as they enter President's Park would reduce the time spent by personnel at the gatehouses answering questions.

Conclusion

Similar to the proposed plan and alternative 1, new facilities for meetings, parking, deliveries, and staff circulation would meet current and future needs, while protecting and preserving significant cultural resources. The total number of staff parking spaces would remain at 1,140 spaces. Only 290 spaces would be immediately accessible to the White House complex; 850 offsite spaces could be perceived as being farther away and less safe. Regardless of whether 850 additional parking spaces for White House staff were leased or provided in a new facility offsite, most staff would have to pay a monthly leasing cost.

Access to the 290-space senior staff parking and delivery facility south of the Old Executive Office Building would require a 180° turn, causing congestion for staff and delivery trucks entering or exiting this portal at the same time.

Impacts on the News Media

Analysis

Two options are considered for a media facility:

* Remodel the existing space on both levels of the west colonnade. This option would not solve problems related to insufficient space as described under the no-action alternative. Very crowded conditions for work spaces and equipment storage would remain, resulting in continued safety concerns and a greater possibility of equipment being damaged. It would be difficult to provide infrastructure to support state-of-the-art equipment by remodeling existing spaces,

or

* Remodel the first floor of the west colonnade and construct a new facility under West Wing Drive. This option would add 9,700 square feet of space, eliminating current crowded work and storage functions and providing up-to-date infrastructure. A continued presence in the west colonnade would support the desire of media representatives to have immediate access to the press secretary. The lower level of the west colonnade would be returned to Executive Residence use.

Conclusion

Upgrading news media facilities in the west colonnade would not solve problems related to insufficient work space or a lack of infrastructure for technologically advanced communications equipment. Constructing a new facility and remodeling the first floor of the west colonnade would provide access to the press secretary and eliminate current space and equipment issues.

Visitor Experience

As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, the overall experience for diplomatic and business visitors, as well as tourists, would be improved as a result of implementing the Design Guidelines and other similar measures to ensure that all parts of President's Park were perceived of as a unit.

Impacts on Diplomatic and Business Visitors

Diplomatic and business visitors to the White House would find no change in their

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

experience, other than an improvement to the ambience as a result of the consistent use of design elements throughout the site and the absence of vehicles being parked on the surface. Visitors could continue to enter the West Wing on the surface, while their vehicles would be parked underground. An underground entrance on West Executive Avenue could be used as an optional entry/ exit point, primarily by business visitors and persons attending meetings

Impacts on Public Visitors

Analysis

Initial Impressions. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, pedestrian entryways to the White House and President's Park would signify for visitors that they were within a special, historic place. This sense would be enhanced by the absence of parked vehicles and public vendors along sidewalks and immediately adjacent streets, and by the lack of public traffic. A future citywide tour bus management plan would remove buses from staging on the site, thus eliminating noise and air pollution, and opening up formal sight lines to the White House.

For visitors on the south side of the site tunneling E Street would allow the Ellipse area to be reconnected with the White House grounds and the rest of President's Park, allowing them to appreciate the original design intent. Views of the south side of the White House by automobile would be available only on Constitution Avenue; the E Street view from passing automobiles would be eliminated.

Entrances to underground facilities south and west of the Old Executive Office Building and west of the Treasury Building would be within the formal approaches to these structures. Large truck and auto entrances immediately adjacent to the First Division Monument would detract from the general visitor experience in this area. Visitors in East Executive Park entering the visitor center could cause congestion for pedestrians at this location.

Information/Orientation. As much information as possible would be provided at the pedestrian entryways, with supplemental information and orientation services at the visitor center. Entryways to the north and east sides of President's Park (at Jackson and Madison Places on H Street, on Pennsylvania Avenue at 15th and 17th Streets, and on 15th and E Street) would be available to the high number of pedestrians entering at these locations. Well-designed signs, brochures, and other orientation materials, including information in other languages, would be easily available to visitors.

Visitor Center. A new 40,000-square-foot visitor center would be built south and west of the Treasury Building. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, this facility would provide information and orientation services for visitors, ticketing and staging for White House tours, personal visitor services, and White House Historical Association sales. An indoor location for most activities would protect visitors from inclement weather.

Interpretation and Education. As described for alternative 1, interpretive and educational opportunities in President's Park would be enhanced by outdoor exhibits, specialized programs focusing on the various resources at the site, and additional onsite and offsite interpretive programs. Living history programs centered on the history of the presidency, the White House, and President's Park would add another dimension to the visitor experience, helping somewhat to compensate for limited exhibits in the visitor center.

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Impacts of Alternative 2: Visitor Experience

A smaller visitor center under this alternative would have limited space for museum displays and educational programs. While visitors would be able to learn about the history of the White House and President's Park and to see exhibits of items from the White House collection, these opportunities would not be as extensive as under the other action alternatives.

White House Tours. Similar to the proposed plan and alternative 1, visitors would pick up free tour tickets indoors at the visitor center. Future strategies for making tour arrangements in advance would give visitors more flexibility in planning for tours.

The visitor center under this alternative would provide immediate access to the visitor entrance building. After seeing an orientation film in theaters in the basement level, visitors would take escalators directly up to the entrance building and begin their tours; they would not have to pass through a corridor or wait outdoors.

Site Amenities. No commercial vending would be allowed on sidewalks within President's Park or along adjoining curb lanes, as described for the proposed plan. Food service would be encouraged by restaurants and other private concerns in nearby areas; no such facilities would be provided in the park. Minimal amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, and telephones would be provided at certain entryways.

Under this alternative site amenities would be provided in the side panels of the Ellipse. Shaded groves with benches and garden areas would encourage visitors to have a more leisurely experience.

Conclusion

Impacts on the experience for public visitors to the White House and President's Park would be generally favorable, as described for the proposed plan and alternative 1. Educational opportunities at the visitor center would be limited by the size of the facility; 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 would allow the Ellipse area to be reconnected with the rest of President's Park, allowing people to appreciate the original design intent.

Impacts on Pedestrians

Pedestrian access throughout the site would be improved, as described for the proposed plan. Tunneling E Street would remove a major barrier to pedestrian circulation on the south side; only official and emergency vehicles would use the walkways on the Ellipse to access West Executive Avenue. West Executive Avenue would remain restricted to public access. Visitors could enjoy views of the White House and the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial from various points on the Ellipse, plazas at the southern ends of East and West Executive Avenues, and along the south fence of the White House without concerns about traffic hazards. People in East Executive Park waiting to enter the visitor center could cause congestion for pedestrians.

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.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Noise Impacts

Analysis

Noise levels at-grade along E Street midway between 15th and 17th Streets (where visitors stand to view the White House) would be lower than they are now because traffic would be underground. On E Street east and west of the park, noise levels for pedestrians at-grade could increase because traffic would be closer and traffic volumes higher.

Noise impacts on visitors, as well as workers in nearby buildings, would be primarily due to construction and the operation of mechanical equipment for underground facilities, as described for the proposed plan and alternative 1. Under alternative 2 pedestrians and occupants of nearby buildings (the Old Executive Office Building, the Treasury Building, the Commerce Building, and buildings on E Street west of 17th) could hear construction noise. Before each construction stage, potentially impacted parties would be notified, and measures to mitigate noise impacts would be included in contractor specifications. Design considerations for mechanical systems, as described for the proposed plan, could address any additional noise intrusions.

Conclusion

Noise levels at-grade along E Street midway between 15th and 17th Streets would be lower than now because traffic would be underground, but they could be higher west of the park because more traffic would be closer to pedestrians and workers in nearby buildings. New noise sources resulting from the operation of mechanical equipment for underground facilities would be minor or would be mitigated through design, as described for the proposed plan.

Special Events

Impacts on special events would he similar to those described for the proposed plan and alternative 1 except tunneling E Street would create a quieter, pleasanter background for events on the Ellipse. There would be no changes to the location and type of First Amendment demonstrations. No impacts on presidential inaugural parades are anticipated because any work would be finished before any future inaugural.

Impacts on Public Events

Analysis

Programs and special events on the site would be conducted in a manner that reflects the dignity of the site, heightening for visitors the sense of being in a special place. Special events would be reduced in scale and duration, and commercial aspects would be restricted, providing a quality visitor experience at all times within President's Park.

The types and sizes of events would be similar to those currently offered. Staging events at a permanent events plaza in the northeast panel of the Ellipse, as described for the proposed plan, would possibly change how events are laid out. Permanent infrastructure would allow state-of-the-art equipment to be used, and events could be staged more efficiently. The removal of the Ellipse pavilion and the loss of easily accessible restroom facilities would necessitate portable facilities having to be brought in for large events.

The visitor center would be north of the events plaza, reducing potential conflicts and confusion among event attendees and visitor center patrons. Tunneling E Street would provide a more pleasing background for

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Impacts of Alternative 2: Transportation

events and allow participants unobstructed access throughout the site.

Impacts on the Pageant of Peace would be the same as described for the proposed plan, except that the absence of surface traffic on E Street would provide a pleasanter background.

Conclusion

The types and sizes of events would be similar to those currently offered. An events plaza would change how events are staged, potentially resulting in additional planning and equipment costs. The tunneling of E Street would allow for easy access and movement for event attendees, and the absence of through-traffic would provide a more pleasing background for events.

Impacts on White House Events

Impacts would be the same as those described for the proposed plan. Setup for White House events would be more efficient because of the addition of onsite storage for frequently used items and upgraded infrastructure. Facilities such as the visitor center would aid in the staging of special White House tours.

Transportation

Impacts on Access and Circulation

Analysis

Access to the White House Complex. For senior staff and business visitors to the White House complex, access would be more restricted under this alternative. The main access to the site would be by way of 17th Street and State Place. Access would not be provided from E Street on either the east or west side of the site. Access by way of Pennsylvania Avenue and E Street at 15th and 17th Streets would be restricted to motorcades and emergency vehicles.

Access for the parking facility south of the Old Executive Office Building would also be from 17th Street to State Place. This access, which would also be the main access for the complex, currently operates at or over capacity during morning and afternoon rush hours. This alternative would only aggravate problems at this intersection because State Place would have to operate as a two-way street, adding turn movements from 17th Street that do not currently exist. This would not be an acceptable condition for the main access to the White House complex.

Delivery access to the White House complex would also be by way of 17th Street and State Place to the facility south of the Old Executive Office Building. As previously discussed, this access route and the constraints of the turning radius into the garage would result in site congestion.

E Street. E Street would be designed as a two-way, four-lane tunnel between 15th and 17th Streets. Approximately 13,000 vehicles per day would use the E Street westbound lanes? likely diverting traffic from I Street, which currently operates at LOS F throughout the day; however, the tunnel would not provide enough additional traffic flow to improve the level of service on I Street. Other westbound streets would also benefit, but the change would not be as noticeable because these streets operate at LOS D. Traffic flows on both 15th and 17th Streets would benefit because F. Street would be tunneled under each street; only minimal turn movements would be retained. The following design requirements affect the impact analysis (see appendix I for plan and profile diagrams of the tunnel):

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

* A maximum street grade of 6.0% was assumed for tunnel approaches, and vertical curves were based on a design speed of 30 mph. The profile is further constrained by matching existing grades at the intersections of 18th Street and 14th Street. Along with a minimum vertical clearance of 16.5', these factors would combine to limit the length of tunnel to approximately 1,880', with a west portal about 150' west of 17th Street and an east portal just east of 15th Street.

* Four travel lanes, with 5' emergency walkways on each side, would be provided within the 60' tunnel width. Tunnel construction would likely be of rigid frame concrete design.

* Existing westbound right turns from E Street onto 15th Street would be retained through a dedicated surface lane immediately adjacent to the tunnel approach. The remainder of this section through the 1400 block of E Street is sufficiently wide for a planter strip.

* Mechanical equipment for ventilating the tunnel and a pump station for stormwater drainage, as well as a lighting system, would be required.

* There would be no White House drive by experience on E Street.

The visual impact of large expanses of concrete retaining walls on each side of the tunnel approaches could be mitigated by design treatments, such as built-in architectural elements, special form liners, or artistic murals and mosaics, that would better relate to the fabric of the buildings, monuments, and memorials that give the White House and President's Park their unique visual character. For example, rustications, stepbacks or battering of the walls, surface treatments (including color), and vertical pylons and pilasters would reflect the monumental scale, proportions, materials, and formality of the surrounding architecture. In addition, integrating railings, lighting, and other streetscape elements (possibly public art) along the tops of walls would provide attractive pedestrian sidewalks, alleys, and promenades connecting with the existing network of attractions and destinations.

In the 1700 block of E Street, 16 on-street, metered parking spaces along the south curb would be eliminated. In addition, existing driveways on both sides of the street would be eliminated. These driveways provide the only delivery access for the Corcoran Gallery, plus parking/delivery access for the United Unions and the American Red Cross buildings.

After exiting the tunnel, the two westbound lanes would make a double right turn onto 18th Street and would be routed one block north to westbound New York Avenue. To accommodate this additional traffic on 18th Street, a double left turn and signal timing changes likely would be required.

Tunnel construction would need to address groundwater due to high water table elevations in the area. As the tunnel is not sufficiently deep for effective boring operations, its construction would have to be accomplished through a conventional cut-and-cover method or construction from the top down with slurry walls. Both options would require closing E Street to through-traffic during construction, which would divert 12,000 vehicles per day to other eastbound streets in the downtown area. This additional traffic would overload these streets and result in slow speeds and stops during both the morning and afternoon peak periods.

During official White House events and motorcades, an E Street tunnel would not have to be closed to traffic, as occurs randomly now, and traffic would not have to be diverted to alternate routes. During arrival ceremonies

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Impacts of Alternative 2: Transportation

for foreign heads of state, as many as 23 buses have double parked along E Street to provide personnel for the ceremonies. tender this alternative these buses could either continue to park on the pedestrian pathways on the Ellipse or move to Constitution Avenue during the event. The loss of traffic lanes on Constitution Avenue under the latter option would create traffic problems on this street.

Conclusion

Access to the White House complex would be more restricted under this alternative than any other alternative. The main access to the site for motorcades, staff parking, and deliveries would be by way of 17th Street and State Place; access for motorcades and emergency vehicles by way of Pennsylvania Avenue and E Street at 17th Street would continue. This alternative would add to existing traffic problems at the 17th Street / New York Avenue / State Place intersection, which would be the main access to the White House complex.

A two-way, four-lane E Street tunnel would be used by about 13,000 westbound vehicles per day (similar to alternative 1). While this use would likely divert traffic from I Street (which currently operates over capacity throughout the day) and other westbound streets, it would not provide enough additional traffic flow to improve the level of service on I Street. Less traffic on other westbound streets would not be as noticeable because these streets already operate under capacity.

Driveways in the 1700 block of E Street would be eliminated by tunnel portals. The E Street tunnel could remain open during official White House events and motorcades. During construction, eastbound traffic would be rerouted to adjacent streets, which would overload these streets and cause more congestion during rush hours.

Impacts on Public Parking

Impacts to on-street public parking would he similar to those described for alternative 1, with the elimination of 103 metered and time limited parking spaces and 16 spaces along the south side of E Street between 17th and 18th Streets (which would be eliminated to accommodate the proposed widening and the west tunnel portal on E Street). The east tunnel portal would not eliminate any public parking. In addition, 506 parking spaces within President's Park currently available to the public during evenings or weekend days would be eliminated. This loss of parking would further constrain the limited on-street public parking supply in this area.

Impacts on Public Transit

The E Street tunnel portal would prohibit turn movements from southbound 15th Street east to Pennsylvania Avenue South, requiring five bus routes to be changed. Three of these routes provide all-day service, and two operate only during specific periods.

Impacts on Tour Buses

As described for the other alternatives, offsite tour bus parking locations would be addressed in a citywide tour bus management plan to be developed by the District and the National Capital Planning Commission. Short-term tour bus parking would be eliminated in President's Park. Impacts related to tour bus dropoff and pickup points within President's Park would be assessed when these points were designated. The E Street tunnel would eliminate the opportunity for tour bus drivers to offer drive-by views of the White House on E Street.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Impacts on the Tourmobile

The Tourmobile route under this alternative would have to be changed because the Ellipse Drive would be closed to general traffic and E Street would be funneled' with the entrance portals a block out on either side of President's Park. One alternate route under this alternative would be for the Tourmobile to turn north from Constitution Avenue to 17th Street, east on H Street, and south on 15th Street, back to Constitution Avenue. A loading/unloading area would have to be designated. Service would be affected because the future route would be in general traffic.

Impacts on Bicyclists

With no surface vehicular traffic on the Ellipse or E Street, the experience for bicyclists would be improved, assuming they had access to surface paths.

Socioeconomic Environment

Impacts on D.C. Revenues

Analysis

Parking Meter Revenue. impacts on parking meter revenue for the District of Columbia would be the same as alternative 1: a total of 53 metered spaces would be lost on 17th and E Streets. Parking meter revenue losses are estimated at $205,496 per year and $4.1 million for 20 years (see table 23).

Leased Parking Revenue. Leased parking revenues under alternative 2 for a total of 850 spaces for White House staff would be the same as described by the proposed plan. If the spaces were leased, the estimated loss in D.C. parking tax revenue would be $247,836 per year, based on an average bulk lease rate of $202. Total district parking revenue losses would equal $5.9 million over the life of this plan. The estimated cost to employees would be $164 per month per space in year four, totaling $1.7 million annually and $39.7 million over the 20-year life of this plan (see table 19).

Property Tax. One option to leasing the 850 permit parking spaces would be to construct a new 850-space parking facility within a 10 minute walk of the White House. It is assumed that this five-level parking facility is 253,000 square feet, requiring 52,500 square feet of land. Using a current property value estimate of $ 100 to $ 120 per square foot, the value of a building this size would be $25.3 million to $30.4 million.

Assessed values for commercial property are required to be at 100% of current market value Therefore, D.C. property tax losses can be estimated by multiplying the estimated property value by the current tax rate for commercial property. The current assessed value for the property would be equal to the land acquisition costs. Based on a current tax rate of $2.15 per $ 100, the property tax losses are estimated to be $543,950 to $652,740 for 253,000 square feet of commercial development (see table 25). Actual tax rates would vary by property, based on land improvements.

TABLE 25:
PROJECTED D.C. PROPERTY TAX LOSSES
ALTERNATIVE 2
Size 253,000 sq. ft.
Value $100-$120/sq. ft.
Tax Rate $2.15/$100
Annual Tax Loss $543,950-$652,740
SOURCE: BRW

Vendor Revenue. Unless relocated to other spaces in the downtown area, removing 26 vendor spaces would result in revenue losses to the District of Columbia of $42,068 annually, or $841,360 over the 20-year life of

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Impacts Alternative 2: Socioeconomic Environment

the plan (the same as for the proposed plan and alternative 1).

Conclusion

Estimated total annual D.C. revenue losses by the fourth year of the plan would he $495,400 (the same as alternative 1), compared to $460,348 under the proposed plan. Over the 20-year life of this plan the estimated loss could be $10.8 million, compared to $10.1 million under the proposed plan. If vendors were relocated to another downtown area, these impacts would not be as great.

If an 850-space offsite parking garage was built in lieu of leasing spaces, the total annual loss to the District would range from $791,514 to $900,304 because of decreased property taxes. This impact would extend beyond the life of this plan.

Impacts on Vendors

As described for the proposed plan and alternative l, removing 26 vendor spaces within President's Park could result in an annual loss of $14.2 million in total business volume and $1.4 million in annual business profits for the affected vendors. Over the 20-year life of the plan the estimated loss would be $28.5 million. If these spaces were relocated to another downtown area, this impact would be reduced.

Impacts on Local Businesses

Analysis

Four driveways along both sides of the 1700 block of F. Street would be eliminated by the west tunnel portal. Two driveways access the American Red Cross building from E Street, and new access drives off 17th Street or D Street would be needed. Access to the alley between the United Unions and the Corcoran Gallery, which leads to a reserved parking area on the north side of the building, would also be eliminated, as well as access to the Corcoran Gallery delivery facility. Replacing this parking ramp would require major reconstruction at the gallery.

The west tunnel portal would result in the loss of 16 on-street metered parking spaces, the same as described for alternative 1. This would result in the same impacts on adjacent institutions.

Institutional and other local business impacts associated with the removal of 50 time-limited and metered parking spaces on 17th Street, as well as the loss of after-hours and weekend parking on Ellipse roadways, would be the same as for the proposed plan.

The impacts on area businesses related to a federal lease of 850 parking spaces is difficult to measure. As discussed for the proposed plan, a 1996 informal field survey by GSA personnel indicated 26 public parking garages within the study area, with a total of 4,500 spaces. A federal lease of 850 spaces (19% of the public parking spaces within a 10-minute walk of the White House) could have some impact on the overall attractiveness of these buildings for the private rental market. Alternatively, if the 850 spaces were provided in a new federal structure rather than being leased from private operators, there would be no reduction in the parking supply for local businesses.

Conclusion

The E Street tunnel portal on the west would eliminate four access points along the 1700 block of E Street, adversely affecting adjacent businesses, especially the Corcoran Gallery (the feasibility of an alternative access to its delivery facility is unknown). The loss of 66 metered and time-limited parking spaces

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

would result in minor inconvenience to adjacent businesses, as well as local residents and visitors using these spaces during evenings and weekends. The long-term lease of 850 parking spaces near President's Park (19% of the public parking spaces within one to two blocks of the study area) could affect businesses and office buildings relying on these spaces for customers and tenants. Alternatively, a new federal parking structure would not affect the leased parking supply.

Construction and Operation Impacts

Analysis

Construction Impacts. The construction budget for alternative 2 would be approximately $271.8 million (which includes upgraded and new media facilities, but not a new offsite parking garage). Construction would take place in four five-year phases over a 20-year period, with construction-related impacts assumed to occur in equal increments by year within each phase (the phases are similar to those described for the proposed plan; see appendix E).

Direct and indirect effects on jobs and earnings for the metropolitan and D.C. areas are shown in table 26. Based on standard regional input/output modeling system multipliers, overall construction-related employment per phase would range from 111 to 870 for the metropolitan area and from 22 to 171 for the D.C. area. Overall earnings by phase are estimated to range from $2.6 million to $20.3 million for the metro area and from $500,000 to $4.6 million for the District. (The greatest impact would be during the second five-year phase of implementation, when a new visitor center and museum would be built.) As explained for the proposed plan and alternative 1, the capture of direct and earnings by the District of Columbia could be increased with specific hiring practices requiring that a certain percentage of jobs be filled by D.C. residents.

Table 26:
Construction Impacts
Alternative 2
. PHASE 1
(YEARS 1-5)		 PHASE 2
(YEARS 6-10)		 PHASE 3
(YEARS 11-15)		 PHASE 4
(YEARS 16-20)
Jobs Earnings* Jobs Earnings* Jobs Earnings* Jobs Earnings*
Metro Area
Direct Jobs 159 $4.0 394 $10.0 133 $3.4 50 $1.3
Indirect Jobs 192 5.4 476 10.3 161 3.5 61 1.3
Total Jobs 351 $8.2 870 $20.3 294 $6.9 111 $2.6
District
Direct Jobs 56 $1.4 138 $3.5 47 $1.2 18 $0.4
Indirect Jobs 13 0.4 33 1.1 11 0.4 4 0.1
Total Jobs 69 $1.8 171 $4.6 58 $1.6 22 $0.5
Total Construction Value per Phase** $58.7 $145.4 $49.1 $18.7
Total Construction Value per Year $11.7 $29.1 $9.8 $3.7
NOTES: Metro Area D.C.
. Overall employment: 30.0 per million dollars 5.9 per million dollars
Employment multipliers: 2.21 1.24
Overall earnings: 0.70 x construction value 0.156 x construction value
Earnings multipliers: 2.03 1.31
* Earnings shown in millions of dollars.
** Total estimated construction = $271.8 million (With upgraded and newly constructed news media facilities; does not include a new offsite parking garage; See appendix E).

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Impacts of Alternative 2. Site Management and Operations

Long-Term Impacts. No significant gains in long-term employment are anticipated under alternative 2. The visitor center could increase employment by one or two jobs due to the proposed expansion.

Conclusion

Estimated construction costs over the life of the plan would total approximately $271.8 million. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, other than the creation of short-term, construction-related jobs throughout the life of the plan, there would be no significant gains in long-term employment.

Site Management and Operations

Impacts on Operations

As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, there would be no additional effect on site operations due to visitor arrivals for special events or ceremonial functions.

Additional staff could be required to implement actions under this alternative, including landscape maintenance and visitor center operations. A comprehensive landscape management plan would help ensure a consistent level of maintenance for all areas of President's Park.

Impacts on Maintenance

The development of a satellite maintenance facility within immediate access of President's Park would provide additional equipment and storage needs, reduce travel times, and increase staff efficiency by having day-today operations headquartered closer to the site, but not onsite. Driving times would be slightly longer.

As described for the proposed plan, providing an events plaza and permanent infrastructure on the Ellipse for special events would make setup and breakdown activities more efficient and reduce impacts on turf areas. Spending less time to restore damaged areas would allow maintenance staff to concentrate on other activities.

Tunneling E Street would allow the Ellipse to be more closely tied with the rest of President's Park. Creating more informal garden areas on the Ellipse, as described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, would increase site maintenance activities. However, the absence of traffic on E Street and improved infrastructure and nearby maintenance facilities would offset this additional time.

Impacts on Utilities

Analysis

The construction of the E Street tunnel would be the major utility concern associated with alternative 2. This tunnel would be up to 25' belowgrade and would require grade adjustments for approximately 500' on each approach, west of 17th Street and east of 15th Street. In addition, there would be a parking garage under the south plaza of the Old Executive Office Building and West Executive Avenue and a visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building. When specific designs

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

were drawn for underground structures, utility lines would be precisely located through surveys so remedial actions could be incorporated in the designs. Discussions with utility owners and the District of Columbia would also be initiated to determine relocation plans and costs.

Public Utilities. The main impact to public utilities caused by the E Street tunnel would be at 15th Street and 17th Street and the east and west approaches to the tunnel. Major facilities include an 1 8-conduit telephone ductbank and a 4 " gasline in 17th Street and a 12" gasline in 15th Street, plus miscellaneous electric conduits in each street. The tunnel crossings at 15th and 17th Streets could potentially be bored under the streets without affecting existing utilities in the streets; however, the approaches on E Street would require each utility line to be relocated.

Waterlines. The 24" diameter waterline that parallels E Street would be affected by the E Street tunnel and approaches, and the entire waterline from 14th Street to 18th Street would probably have to be relocated. The 12' waterline in 15th Street might have to be relocated around the east approach to maintain proper cover. Utilities would need to be relocated to allow construction of the westside parking and delivery facility. Utilities also might need to be relocated because of the new visitor center near the Treasury Building.

Sewers. The 9'8" sanitary/storm sewer under the Ellipse would cross the E Street tunnel just west of 15th Street. The following options have been considered:

(1) Reroute the sewer around the tunnel- This would require the installation of a new sewer facility along the upstream (north) side of the tunnel and paralleling E Street to 18th Street and then south to intercept the existing sewer at H Street.

(2) Upgrade other sewer facilities in the area to compensate for any lost capacity if the sewer was abandoned-This scenario would require the addition of several lateral service lines to carry flows from the President's Park area. The separation of storm and sanitary effluent would be required under either option 1 or 2.

(3) Lower the sewer under the E Street tunnel and install a pumping lift station on the downstream side to elevate the effluent back to existing sewer grades.

The E Street tunnel would also interfere with a 3'6" sanitary/storm sewer in 17th Street and an 18" diameter storm sewer in 15th Street. Each of these facilities would have to be rerouted around the approaches along E Street, possibly in the manner described above.

Utilities would also need to be relocated to accommodate new underground facilities south and west of the Treasury Building.

Conclusion

Utilities-including telephone, gas, electric, water, and storm/sanitary sewer lines under E, 15th, and 17th Streets-would be significantly affected by the construction of an E Street tunnel and would have to be bored under or relocated. The construction of a parking/delivery facility south of the Old Executive Office Building and of a visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building would also affect utilities at these locations.

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Comprehensive Design Plan Continued