Evening star., 1937-03-21
GUARD GETSP PLAN
FOR ARMORY BACK
Public Works Group Returns
Proposal for $500, 900
Project.

The request of the District of Co
Mmbia militia officials for an alloca-
ton of $2,500000 for the construction
Of An armory to house all units Of
the local Guard, which was sent to
the Public Work Administration many
months ago, is right back where it
started. 1t came back to the District
officials last week, without comment,
which leaves them to start anew in
their efforts to get funds for a build
Ing
The proposal for the construction
OF the District armory Is perhaps the
most expensive one which has ever
been submitted to Public Works, and
attention was called that many
projects failed to get recognition there
because OF the size buildings asked
and the amount of money sought.
Further attention was called that
many sent in their projects without
plans or any program for construc-
tion, that is, a program for handling
the details II the Federal Government
allotted the money
1t was explained in submitting the
request for the District the plans for
. gigantic building, which were pre-
pared more than 80 years ago, were
sent along, simply because commis-
sion had recommended them at that
time. No suggestion was made as to
site, because there is none available
funds will have to be provided for it.
1t was pointed out the site recon-
mended for the plans which were
submitted is the one which is now
proposed for the Mellon Art Gallery.
Furthermore, it was explained, in
making plans for an armory for the
District there are many more prob
lens Of construction to be considered
which do not face those in the States
seeking Federal money for armories
for their troops. A building to be
erected here must conform to certain
architectural requirements to meet
the standards for Government build
ings here Without these restrictions,
1t was pointed out, the States can OBJ
tain buildings suitable for their pur-
poses at a cost considerably less than
could be done in the National Capital.
1t was added no other definite plans
could have been submitted to the Pub
lie Works Administration on behalf of
the local Guard because there is no
site available. The estimate for funds
included one of 100000 for the
acquisition of a suitable site. How
ever, If Congress could be prevailed
tn rNvoyriSa cifo
owned land here, this estimate could
be wiped out. It also included an
estimate Of $4,000 for the prepara-
ton OF plans.
The fact that the Districts request
has been returned to the Guard un-
doubtedly means, it was said, that If
the militia authorities are to get their
building they must go direct to Con-
gress. Usually the public works funds
are allocated on a grant and con-
tribution basis. But the District au-
thorities cannot participate in this
because even the contribution fund
must be provided by a special ap-
propriation Of Congress. Furthermore,
the funds are usually issued on the
stipulation that they are to be used
for material and labor, whereas the
Districts request included funds for
a site and the preparation of plans.
Although no site was suggested in
the program which was sent to the
Federal agency, officials here are
hoping it will not be necessary to ex-
pend money for site. They have
their eyes on the vast expanse of land
at the eastern terminus of East Cap
itol street, land made by filling in
the fats of the Anacostia River. How
ever, recommendations also have been
made that this plot be used for the
development of large stadium for
the District of Columbia