[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 143 (Monday, July 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 44415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18333]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 9204; No. FMA-2015-01]
Designation and Determination Pursuant to the Foreign Missions
Act; Development and Management of Approximately 32 Acres in the
District of Columbia, on a Portion of the Former Walter Reed Army
Medical Center
In order to facilitate the Department of State's acquisition abroad
of real property on which to construct safe, secure, and modern
facilities for American diplomatic and consular operations, and in
light of the difficulties that a growing number of foreign missions in
the United States have encountered with respect to identifying
properties and locations in the District of Columbia suitable for the
construction and operation of modern chancery facilities, the
Department of State intends to establish a second location in the
Nation's Capital that is dedicated to foreign mission operations.
Thus, pursuant to the Department of State's authority under 22
U.S.C. 4308(e)(1), which authorizes the head of any Federal agency to
transfer property to the Department of State to further the purposes of
the Foreign Missions Act (22 U.S.C. 4301-4316) (``FMA''), the
Department of State has concluded an agreement with the Department of
the Army concerning the transfer to the Department of State of
approximately 32 acres of excess Federal property at the location of
the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (hereinafter referred to as
the ``Foreign Missions Center'' or ``FMC''). The official metes and
bounds of this property are in the process of being formally
established.
In accordance with the authority vested in me under the FMA and
under Delegation of Authority No. 147, dated September 13, 1982, and
after due consideration of the need to exercise reciprocity to obtain
certain benefits for the United States, I hereby designate the
acquisition and use of property (including construction or renovation
of facilities on the property) by foreign missions at the FMC, as well
as access to and use of roads, sidewalks and other common areas, and
other public services at the FMC, to be a benefit as defined in 22
U.S.C. 4302(a)(1). I hereby determine, under 22 U.S.C. 4304, that the
Department of State's regulation of the acquisition and use of property
in the FMC, as well as access to and use of roads, sidewalks and other
common areas, and other public services at the FMC is reasonably
necessary in order to: (1) Facilitate relations between the United
States and a sending State; (2) protect the interests of the United
States; and (3) adjust for costs and procedures of obtaining benefits
for missions of the United States abroad. This action will enable the
Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) of the Department of State to
facilitate the secure and efficient operation of foreign missions in
the United States.
Accordingly, the process through which foreign missions will be
authorized to acquire, use, and dispose of property and to construct or
renovate facilities will be subject to all terms and conditions
established in this regard by the Director of the Office of Foreign
Missions (OFM). At a minimum, such terms and conditions on which OFM
will approve a request from a foreign mission for the acquisition of a
lot at the FMC shall include due consideration of the related real
property accommodations extended to missions of the United States in
the country or territory represented by that foreign mission.
Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 4306(b)(2)(B), because the FMC is in an area
other than one referenced in Sec. 4306(b)(1), the location,
replacement, or expansion of chanceries at the FMC is permitted,
subject only to disapproval by the District of Columbia Board of Zoning
Adjustment in accordance with the procedures and criteria set forth in
22 U.S.C. 4306.
To implement this determination, the Department of State intends to
use the working capital fund, consistent with 22 U.S.C. 4308(h) and any
terms, conditions, and procedures so established by the Chief Financial
Officer, or designee, for all transactions associated with the
Department of State's development and management of the FMC.
In particular, the funding needed to develop and manage the FMC
shall be primarily obtained from the revenues generated as a result of
the following actions:
1. The Department of State's execution of long-term land leases
with foreign missions;
2. the Department of State's sale of existing buildings to foreign
missions;
3. the transfer of funds in connection with an in-kind exchange of
properties, as authorized under 22 U.S.C. 4304(f); and
4. the provision of services or benefits to or on behalf of foreign
missions or other Federal agencies that are in furtherance of the
Department of State's responsibilities and functions under the FMA.
Additionally, to the maximum extent and for the longest practical
duration possible, the funding needed to cover the Department's
obligations to manage and maintain the FMC's common areas, or those
areas that are not assigned for the exclusive use of a foreign mission,
shall also be generated as a result of the actions outlined above. In
this regard, any proposed overall revenue generation and anticipated
expenditure plan will cover all costs associated with the development
of the FMC and as well projected costs associated with the maintenance
of the non-public roads, sidewalks, and other common areas not assigned
for the exclusive use of a foreign mission for a duration of at least a
period of 25 years.
For purposes of this document, the terms ``chancery'' and ``foreign
mission'' are defined respectively at 22 U.S.C. 4302(a)(2) and (3).
Dated: July 14, 2015.
Patrick F. Kennedy,
Under Secretary for Management.
[FR Doc. 2015-18333 Filed 7-24-15; 8:45 am]
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