SDNY Local Counsel supports the efforts of the New York Congressional Delegation from both parties to push through needed security upgrades to the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse. Below is a brief run-down of the relevant facts:
Moynihan Courthouse Security Pavilion Security Needs
• After the September 11, 2001 attacks, it was determined by law enforcement that security at the Moynihan Courthouse was deficient.
• The Department of Homeland Security Report issued to the General Services Administration and The United States Courts points out that air intakes and security screening are inadequate.
• Recommendations include raising the fresh air intakes for the courthouse from ground level and the construction of a security screening pavilion outside of the main structure of the courthouse. Background on the Court
• The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is the largest federal trial court by number of Judges.
• The Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse houses more federal judges than any other federal building in the Country.
• The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York handles many high profile/high security cases (terrorism, international arms dealing, international drug smuggling, international high profile crimes, large securities cases, organized crime).
Security Pavilion, Air Intake and Backfill Project
• The request to fund the Security Pavilion and the Backfill of the United States Probation and Pretrial Offices was contained in the President’s 2011 budget request (combined $28 million).
• GSA appropriated $2 million for the design of the pavilion and backfill.
• The design of the pavilion has been completed up to the 90% drawings and General Services Administration is ready to release the contract.
• The estimated cost to complete the pavilion is $10 million.
Support for the Project
• Members of the New York Congressional Delegation from both parties have expressed support for the project. They include Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressmen Grimm, King, Nadler, Rangel and Serrano.
• The United States Courts, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States District Court, the General Services Administration and the United States Marshals Service has committed to working together to complete the project. To that end, Chief Judge Loretta Preska and Edward Friedland (SDNY District Executive) were scheduled to meet with Commissioner Bob Peck on Wednesday, April 18, at 11:30 AM while in Washington.
Show your suport for these needed security upgrades by commenting below (SDNY Local Counsel will forward positive comments to the supporters of this project) and reaching out to your local bar association or trade association and asking them to contact the General Services Administration to register their support for this project.
