For Immediate Release: July 20, 2010
Contacts: Scott Flaherty, (916) 978-6156; Andy Yuen, San Diego Refuge Complex, (760) 930-0168
FFS #R8AA
Local Contractor to Construct Administrative Headquarters, Visitor Contact Station, and Service Building
Sacramento, CA – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has awarded a $4.5 million contract for the construction of a new administrative headquarters, visitor contact station, and service building for the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC) in Chula Vista, California.
PCL Construction Services, Inc., of San Diego received the award ($4,565,746) to construct the new facility, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Construction is expected to begin later this month.
The San Diego project includes three buildings and is one of the Service’s larger ARRA-funded refuge projects in California. The project will be located on the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), adjacent to the Chula Vista Nature Center in Chula Vista, California. The buildings will be approximately 9,800 square feet and consolidate Refuge administration, resource management, and maintenance operations, functions that are currently spread out among the Complex’s four offices in San Diego County.
“This new facility will improve management efficiencies by locating our staff together and enhance opportunities to develop partnerships with our neighboring communities in San Diego County,” said Andy Yuen, project leader of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “The location will encourage visitors from the Chula Vista Nature Center onto the Refuge to explore the trails, observe wildlife, and foster connections with nature.”
The new facility will also allow the Service to vacate existing leased space, located one hour from the nearest refuge unit. Eliminating costs for leased space will save the Service over $710,000 during the typical 13-year lease period ($55,000 per year).
The administrative headquarters, visitor contact station, and service building were designed by Line and Space LLC, of Tucson, Arizona, and will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards.
“The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge project is one of the major investments by the Department of the Interior in California that will provide long-term benefits to people and conserve our natural treasures,” said Secretary Salazar. “This project will create local jobs and construct a facility that will serve as a community resource for generations to come.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. Of that amount, $280 million went to the Service to fund job-creating investments in critical infrastructure and facilities, habitat restoration, and energy efficiency and renewable energy.
“With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come,” said Secretary Salazar.
For a full list of funded projects nationwide, go to the Department’s Recovery website. For a list of Service projects, click on the Service’s logo at the bottom of the page. Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department of the Interior’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery website, which will include an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent. In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact@fws.gov.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For questions, comments or concerns email us at recoveryact@fws.gov.
