Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Trump EPA Proposes to Free States from Unnecessary Biden-era State Implementation Plan Requirements
WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump EPA Proposes to Free States from Unnecessary Biden-era State Implementation Plan Requirements
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to portions of the Biden EPA's January 2025 final rule, which required states to keep certain State Implementation Plan (SIP) requirements tied to an area's prior ozone nonattainment classification under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), even after that area had been reclassified. The Trump EPA's
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WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump EPA Proposes to Free States from Unnecessary Biden-era State Implementation Plan Requirements
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to portions of the Biden EPA's January 2025 final rule, which required states to keep certain State Implementation Plan (SIP) requirements tied to an area's prior ozone nonattainment classification under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), even after that area had been reclassified. The Trump EPA'sproposed changes will realign the agency's approach to SIPs with the intent of the Clean Air Act (CAA), allowing states to focus their planning on further air quality improvements rather than on unnecessary paperwork.
"Part of cooperative federalism means listening to our regulatory partners about what is working and what is not. Unsurprisingly, the Biden-era rule is causing more confusion, more headaches, more pointless paperwork, but not cleaner air," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "If finalized, our proposal will help state, local, and Tribal air regulators focus resources on measured, relevant Clean Air Act requirements. This proposal is working to ensure EPA is implementing the best reading of the law in a way that is firmly grounded in statute and that provides cleaner air for all Americans."
Under the Biden-era final rule, upon reclassification, states were still required to continue with certain planning requirements of a SIP associated with the previous lower classification of an area. This forced states to dedicate time and resources towards burdensome legacy requirements instead of obtaining tangible new results. The Trump EPA's changes would ensure that states are no longer punished for improving air quality by clarifying that an area's current ozone classification level, not a previous one, is the only determinant of SIP requirements. Specifically, the agency is proposing that planning requirements are cumulative upon reclassification and do not need to be duplicated each time.
The proposed changes are c onsistent with the CAA that states an area can only be subject to a single classification at a given time. If finalized, EPA's state, local, and Tribal air regulatory partners will be given renewed flexibility to better tailor their air quality strategies to current conditions, enhancing protections for human health and the environment, while reducing administrative confusion.
Today's proposal applies to all past and future reclassifications associated with the 2008, 2015, and any future ozone NAAQS. EPA is not proposing to reconsider any of the SIP submittal or implementation deadlines established in the Biden EPA's January 2025 rulemaking. EPA will hold a 30-day public comment period. The proposal can be found on EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-epa-proposes-free-states-unnecessary-biden-era-state-implementation-plan
SBA Offers Relief to Virginia Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Relief to Virginia Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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Submit your pitch by June 10 to compete for our $1 million cash prize pool at sba.gov/freedom250 !
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/09/sba-offers-relief-virginia-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
Massachusetts Company Returns to Compliance After Hazardous Waste Violations
WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Massachusetts Company Returns to Compliance After Hazardous Waste Violations
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BOSTON (June 9, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Nitto Denko Avecia, Inc. (Nitto Avecia), a Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing company, resolving alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management regulations at two facilities in Milford, Massachusetts. The agreement provides
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WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Massachusetts Company Returns to Compliance After Hazardous Waste Violations
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BOSTON (June 9, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Nitto Denko Avecia, Inc. (Nitto Avecia), a Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing company, resolving alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management regulations at two facilities in Milford, Massachusetts. The agreement providesthat the company will pay a fine of $858,889 and swiftly come into compliance with hazardous waste management requirements.
"Safe management practices of hazardous waste and contingency planning with local responders are important to keeping our New England communities safe," said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. "This agreement with Nitto Avecia serves as a reminder to pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers about their duties and commitments to federal and state regulations that protect workers, communities, and the environment."
During a hazardous waste compliance evaluation of Nitto Avecia's facilities, EPA identified multiple alleged RCRA violations related to hazardous waste air emissions, design and installation requirements for hazardous waste tank systems, equipment inspections, waste and storage area labeling, and contingency planning.
To come into compliance, the company:
* Implemented a leak detection and repair (LDAR) program to identify, regularly inspect, and maintain records for all tanks and equipment which manage hazardous waste
* Performed daily visual inspections of all RCRA-regulated tank systems
* Updated its Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan to reflect current hazardous waste conditions and emergency contacts.
Background
Nitto Denko Avecia, Inc. is a pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing company incorporated in Delaware and based in Milford, Massachusetts. The company employs around 400 people. The company's operations include the manufacturing of oligonucleotides, quality assurance operations, research and development, and management of hazardous waste tanks.
Why this Matters
Poor oversight of hazardous waste management units (HWMUs), including storage tanks, poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. RCRA set up a framework to make sure that hazardous wastes are properly classified, managed, and disposed of. This includes strict schedules for the inspection and maintenance of equipment used to manage and store hazardous waste. EPA's regulations under RCRA protect the public and the environment from exposure to pollutants in hazardous waste, in part, by ensuring that equipment is maintained in good working condition and that facilities conduct routine inspections and appropriate oversight of said equipment.
More information is available on EPA's RCRA Laws and Regulations webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/massachusetts-company-returns-compliance-after-hazardous-waste-violations
SBA Relief Still Available to Minnesota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Severe Storms and High Winds
WASHINGTON, June 8 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Minnesota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Severe Storms and High Winds
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Submit your pitch by June 10 to compete for our $1 million cash prize pool at sba.gov/freedom250 !
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/08/sba-relief-still-available-minnesota-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-severe-storms-high
HISTORIC AGAIN: President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Amtrak, and Penn Transformation Partners (Halmar & Skanska) Unveil Design for Overhaul of New York Penn Station
WASHINGTON, June 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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HISTORIC AGAIN: President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Amtrak, and Penn Transformation Partners (Halmar & Skanska) Unveil Design for Overhaul of New York Penn Station
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Stunning renderings, video, and website provide an in-depth preview of how the
Trump Administration will deliver a world-class transit hub in the heart of New York City
NEW YORK, NY - U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board Andy Byford, and Penn Transformation
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WASHINGTON, June 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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HISTORIC AGAIN: President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Amtrak, and Penn Transformation Partners (Halmar & Skanska) Unveil Design for Overhaul of New York Penn Station
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Stunning renderings, video, and website provide an in-depth preview of how the
Trump Administration will deliver a world-class transit hub in the heart of New York City
NEW YORK, NY - U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board Andy Byford, and Penn TransformationPartners (PTP) today unveiled the design renderings for the once-in-a-generation redevelopment of New York Penn Station. PTP - a joint venture led by Halmar and Skanska - will serve as the master developer for the project.
The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors. PTP's vision will make the station safer, more spacious, and better connected, while elevating it into a modern civic landmark. Madison Square Garden will remain in place, and throughout construction, the arena and all railroads will continue to operate. Breaking ground by the end of 2027, the transformation of Penn Station will be 100 percent union-built, creating thousands of jobs and supporting local and regional economic activity.
The U.S. Department of Transportation took control of Penn Station's transformation in April 2025, and Secretary Sean Duffy provided Amtrak with $43 million in federal grant funding to jumpstart an aggressive schedule. In May 2026, Penn Transformation Partners was selected as the master developer, and the Department invested an additional $200 million to support critical design and permitting work.
Click HERE to view the new renderings and website (http://www.penntransformation.com/)
Click HERE for a detailed FAQ (https://www.penntransformation.com/FAQ)
Click HERE for a press packet of images (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/iypxr1knx97fwix2ut39c/AOpzwQA_rvLhDAmGHfWMzuI?rlkey=gw5hr53hmrybu3xx9k08tbore&e=1&st=66ez4zs6&dl=0)
A STATE-OF-THE-ART EXPERIENCE FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES
The completed station will transform the commuter and visitor experience at Penn Station with a design that reduces congestion, eliminates dead ends, improves visibility, and expands waiting areas evenly throughout the Station.
Once completed, the visitor experience at Penn Station will be dramatically improved in every way, whether you're a New Jersey or Long Island resident commuting to work daily, a fan heading to Madison Square Garden, an Amtrak traveler visiting the city for the first time, or simply a neighbor wanting a safer, more pleasant pedestrian experience around Penn Station.
The single-level, ADA-compliant concourse of stone and bronze with soaring ceilings will consolidate all public activity on a single level above the platforms. It will feature best-in-class amenities, bars and restaurants, shops, and customer services on one clear, accessible level.
Specifically, the transformation of New York Penn Station will:
* Construct a grand entrance on Eighth Avenue to a new train hall
* Replace cramped, decrepit walkways with open, beautiful concourses
* Expand track capacity, including the introduction of at least limited through-running on the regional rail network
* Enable new retail, better wayfinding, and other passenger experience improvements, all while maintaining the iconic Madison Square Garden with a new cladding for a classic look, and
* Improve the station's existing subterranean structure
"The Golden Age of Transportation is coming thanks to President Trump. He had a vision to transform this dirty, falling-apart station in the middle of his hometown into a state-of-the-art transit hub that millions can enjoy for generations to come. American families deserve a safe, efficient, and clean commute to their homes, jobs, and churches," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "These renderings provide the public with further proof that the Trump Administration is committed to delivering transformational results for all Americans. I look forward to our continued partnership in delivering this momentous landmark that will completely transform New York City as we know it today."
"The Department is focused on developing an innovative and world-class station for the American people, complete with the potential for through-running and a grand entrance on Eighth Avenue that is sure to become a hallmark of this city. Under Secretary Duffy, the Department has already invested nearly a quarter-billion dollars to get this project off the ground through the design and planning phases. It's an exciting time to be in America, where we're building bigger and more beautiful than ever before," said Deputy U. S. Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury.
"We named this project Penn Station Transformation for the exact reason depicted in these renderings; a world-class, beautiful, and modern train station is coming to New York City," said Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board Andy Byford. "With the continued support of the President and USDOT, and the expertise of Halmar, Skanska, and the rest of our partners, we are continuing to drive momentum and meet more milestones to get shovels in the ground next year and turn these renderings into reality."
"For more than a century, Penn Station has been a gateway to opportunity - whether for a commuter going to work or for a visitor in search of a dream, Penn is where futures start and new days begin - where the spirit of America meets the thrill of the 'Big Apple'. But for too long this special place has been derelict and dispiriting - forever debated but never delivered," said Chief Executive Officer of the Halmar-Skanska partnership, Penn Transformation Partners, Peter E. Cipriano. "Thanks to President Trump, that all changes today. Working in partnership with Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, the MTA, leaders in the community and beyond, we will deliver a Penn Station whose design is as ambitious as the people who use it. We will not merely renovate or improve Penn but fundamentally restore it as a civic icon recognizable around the world. Like the New York landmarks that will adorn its facade, the Penn Station we build will inspire us to reach for the stars. As a lifelong Brooklynite, it is my privilege to lead a team that will create thousands of jobs, modernize our transportation system, and create a Penn Station of which all Americans can be proud."
"With extensive experience delivering complex transportation and infrastructure projects around the world, we are honored to partner with Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the MTA on the redevelopment of Penn Station," said Chief Commercial Officer of Penn Transformation Partners, Magnus Eriksson. "As one of the busiest transportation hubs in North America, Penn Station plays a vital role in connecting millions of passengers and communities across the region every day. We look forward to helping deliver a transformed station that improves the travel experience and creates a safer, more efficient, and more welcoming gateway for generations of travelers to come."
"After more than 30 years of thinking about and working on the seemingly intractable problem of Penn Station, it is beyond thrilling to unveil this ambitious vision for a re-imagined civic icon," said Lead Design Architect and Founder of the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), Vishaan Chakrabarti. "Our design not only creates more capacity and improves operations for the busiest transit hub in the Western hemisphere, but it also will create - once again - a gateway to New York that is befitting our great city and will bring a sense of dignity to the experience of train travel to and from New York."
"Today's announcement marks another important step toward delivering the modern, world-class Penn Station that New Yorkers deserve. Transforming one of the nation's busiest transit hubs will improve lives for commuters while creating thousands of family sustaining middle-class careers, generating economic activity, and investing in infrastructure that will strengthen our region for decades to come. We commend the Trump Administration for advancing this critical project and look forward to continuing to work with our partners in government, and the construction industry to ensure this long-overdue redevelopment moves forward and creates opportunities for working people while helping drive our economy forward," said Gary LaBarbera, President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
On Funding
The project will be funded primarily through federal grants to Amtrak, together with federal loans, private financing, and equity raised by PTP. USDOT is investing nearly $5 billion into Amtrak's Northeast Rail Corridor to revitalize the nation's major rail hubs, including Penn Station.
On Improving Efficiency
On 8th Avenue, the Infosys Theater will be replaced by a classic New York art deco facade and a new grand entrance. Penn Station will become vastly more accessible thanks to new entry points and passenger pickup and drop-off locations, expanded sidewalk zones, and the elimination of the need to unload and load at 31st Street and 8th Avenue for theater events.
On Improving Safety
At the track and platform level, scores of columns will be removed, and lighting and signage will be dramatically improved to open sightlines and increase passenger circulation, while also meeting heightened fire safety requirements. There will also be extensive studies into how this project can accommodate passenger service growth.
On Design
On the exterior, a square structure will surround the Madison Square Garden cylinder, extending from 31st Street to 33rd Street and from 8th Avenue to the west side of the taxiway. Approximately 90 feet tall and 150,000 gross square feet, the new building will beautify the surrounding streets and sidewalks around the Station while adding new retail, back-of-house, and utility space.
On Process
PTP was selected to lead the New York Penn Station Transformation Project following a rigorous, nine-month open procurement process led by USDOT, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Amtrak and PTP will enter into a pre-development agreement that provides a framework for Amtrak and PTP to develop the project, advance design and financial planning, and accept stakeholder input. From summer 2026 through 2027, Amtrak will conduct robust community engagement and provide ample opportunities for public comment. Since 2024, the Penn Station Working Advisory Group - comprising more than 50 organizations representing local stakeholders, community groups, transit riders, elected officials, and partner agencies - has provided ongoing guidance to ensure the project reflects the needs and priorities of those who rely on Penn Station every day.
On the Master Developer
Halmar and Skanska are 50-50 development partners and 45-55 construction partners on the project.
The team assembled to redevelop Penn Station brings decades of experience building some of the world's largest, most complex, and beautifully designed infrastructure, including the award-winning LaGuardia Terminal B Redevelopment project and the PATH World Trade Center station. The direct experience of our team members in and around Penn Station includes the successful delivery of Moynihan Train Hall, LIRR 33rd Street Concourse, and other complex infrastructure projects at Penn Station. The team members have proven their ability to execute complicated work in active-transportation environments while building strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders. With intimate knowledge of urban architecture, transportation infrastructure, and the construction of major transit hubs, PTP is well-positioned to execute the largest transit hub infrastructure project in North America.
Halmar is one of the most prominent heavy civil construction firms in the world. Notable projects in the Halmar portfolio include the Second Avenue Subway, the reconstruction of the Van Wyck Expressway, the Long Island Railroad's third track expansion, and the foundation work at Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. The company has also provided airside and landside critical construction operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
Skanska is one of the world's largest construction and project development companies with extensive experience delivering public-private partnership projects. The firm's portfolio includes several of the most significant infrastructure, rail, and aviation projects in the region, such as the Portal North Bridge replacement connecting New Jersey and New York, the award-winning LaGuardia Airport Terminal B redevelopment, and major components of the East Side Access project, which introduced LIRR service to Grand Central Terminal. Skanska also led the multi-phase transformation of the Farley Building, including the West End Concourse expansion and the creation of the Moynihan Train Hall.
The new Penn Station will be designed by the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), a New York City-based design studio led by Founder and Creative Director Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA, and Senior Principal Ruchika Modi. PAU's work includes the redevelopment of the former Domino Sugar factory in Brooklyn into an innovative, mixed-use commercial and creative space; the transformation and expansion of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's waterfront campus in Cleveland; and work as a design collaborator on the new JPMorganChase headquarters at 270 Park Avenue.
Penn Transformation Partners includes Halmar, Skanska, HNTB New York Engineering, Architecture & Landscape Architecture, P.C.; Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, P.C. (HOK); Vornado Realty; Severud Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C.; M-E/Vogel Taylor Engineers, P.C.; Network Rail Consulting; Langan Engineering, Environmental, Surveying, Landscape Architecture & Geology, D.P.C.; City ID; Billings Jackson Studio, and Morgan Stanley & Co.
For more information about the redevelopment of Amtrak's Penn Station, visit www.penntransformation.com
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/06/historic-again-president-trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-amtrak-and-penn-transformation-partners-halmar-skanska-unveil-design-for-overhaul-of-new-york-penn-station/
GSA Unveils Design Concept for New Chattanooga Courthouse
WASHINGTON, June 8 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Unveils Design Concept for New Chattanooga Courthouse
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A classical landmark designed for security, efficiency, and an enduring civic presence
Download full resolution [JPG - 979 KB]
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released the design concept for the new federal courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, located on Vine Street. The renderings outline a secure building that pairs modern functionality with classical architecture, creating a dignified
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 8 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Unveils Design Concept for New Chattanooga Courthouse
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A classical landmark designed for security, efficiency, and an enduring civic presence
Download full resolution [JPG - 979 KB]
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released the design concept for the new federal courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, located on Vine Street. The renderings outline a secure building that pairs modern functionality with classical architecture, creating a dignifiedlandmark that will serve as the center of justice across the region.
"We are delivering on President Trump's Executive Order to 'Make Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,' while constructing a new courthouse that focuses on safety, efficiency, and accessibility in a top-tier facility," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst.
The approximately 191,000-square-foot courthouse is designed for maximum operational efficiency, consolidating several judicial functions-including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the Circuit Library, into one secure location.
It features seven courtrooms, nine judges' chambers, 40 interior parking spaces, and dedicated space for essential federal partners, such as the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"This enduring symbol of our republic will become Chattanooga's premier civic space," said Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. "As our city's most consequential building in generations, this courthouse will stand for the next century as a sanctuary for those who seek justice, a forum to gather together, and a classroom to educate our student citizens."
Project Details:
* Project Delivery Method:
* Brasfield & Gorrie is serving as Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc)
* fs3IHodges serves as Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa)
* The design team is led by HOK as Designer of Record.
* GSA has also announced a solicitation for a Federal art commission in conjunction with the new construction of the Chattanooga U.S. Courthouse project which closes June 15, 2026.
Additional project milestones, including a construction timeline, will be announced on GSA's Chattanooga U.S. Courthouse project page as the project advances.
Photo gallery
View from Vine Street
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Vine Street approach
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Vine Street approach at dusk
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Vine Street approach in winter
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Vine Street approach
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Vine Street approach with foliage
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View from Georgia and Vine Streets
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Aerial view from the southwest
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About GSA : GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-unveils-design-concept-for-new-chattanooga-courthouse-06082026
EPA finalizes plan for Billings PCE Superfund site in Montana
WASHINGTON, June 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA finalizes plan for Billings PCE Superfund site in Montana
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Cleanup plan will address indoor air contamination and mitigate health risks
BILLINGS, Mont. - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), finalized the cleanup plan to address indoor air contamination at the Billings PCE Superfund site, marking a major milestone in the Superfund process.
The plan, informed by gold-standard science and community
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA finalizes plan for Billings PCE Superfund site in Montana
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Cleanup plan will address indoor air contamination and mitigate health risks
BILLINGS, Mont. - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), finalized the cleanup plan to address indoor air contamination at the Billings PCE Superfund site, marking a major milestone in the Superfund process.
The plan, informed by gold-standard science and communityinput, is to install mitigation systems in homes and businesses within the site boundaries to reduce exposure to harmful chemical vapors. This action is designed to prevent exposure to indoor air contamination and ensure the site remains protective of human health and the environment.
"Today's decision sets a clear path forward to addressing contamination and protecting human health and the environment," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. " This plan reflects input from the Billings community, is grounded in science and marks a critical step in the Superfund process to ensure continued progress for Billings residents."
EPA's plan for Operable Unit 1, finalized in a document known as a Record of Decision (ROD), addresses PCE contamination by installing a system that consists of pipes and a fan that channel vapors from a building's basement to the outside. These systems remove chemical vapors from indoor air and beneath building foundations, significantly reducing health risks associated with chemicals such as PCE. Under the plan, EPA will be responsible for the equipment and installation of the systems, while MDEQ will be responsible for long-term operation and maintenance of the systems. Building owners will cover the electricity cost, comparable to running a 75-watt lightbulb continuously.
EPA accepted public comments on the proposed cleanup plan during a 60-day comment period from July 28, 2025, through Sept. 27, 2025, and held a public meeting on Aug. 27, 2025, to present the proposal and gather public comments. EPA will continue to engage with the community and provide updates as the project moves forward.
The next phase of the process is remedial design, during which EPA will develop detailed engineering plans to implement the cleanup plan. Cleanup activities will begin after the design phase is complete.
Background
The Billings PCE Superfund site covers 1,100 acres and runs through several neighborhoods east of downtown Billings. The site was contaminated in the past with PCE and other chemicals from dry cleaners and other industrial sources. The chemicals from these businesses are in the soil and groundwater in parts of Billings. Chemical vapors can build up under building foundations and let small amounts of vapors into the indoor air. The mitigation systems vent these vapors outside the building, reducing the risk to people inside.
EPA's formal response to public comments, additional background and site documents are available on the Billings PCE Superfund site profile page.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-plan-billings-pce-superfund-site-montana
