Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Burns & McDonnell prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a new courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

The federal courts in Los Angeles serve over 17 million people in seven counties, and are operating with 20 percent less space than necessary. By 2010, a 50 percent space shortage is anticipated. The new federal courthouse will house all district court operations and the U.S. Marshals Service. The building has approximately 1.094 million gross square feet and housed 2,760 employees of the courts and other executive agencies upon its initial occupancy in 2005.

Major issues for the EIS included traffic, cultural resources, shadow modeling, real estate and socioeconomics. Downtown Los Angeles is an urban area with a high population density and numerous historic buildings. In addition, parking in the area is at a premium and may become a more significant issue with the addition of a new office building.

Burns & McDonnell's prior experience with NEPA analysis for federal courthouses was an asset to this project. Burns & McDonnell's southern California regional office in San Diego provided close proximity to the project area and familiarity with the local municipalities. The project was completed on time and within budget.