Montgomery County Joins FBI HQ Race

Prince George's, Fairfax Counties also vying to host new agency building

The race to host a new FBI headquarters got a surprise entry this week, as Montgomery County officials confirmed that their jurisdiction would join the bidding to host a replacement for the J. Edgar Hoover Building.

Montgomery County Economic Development Director Steven Silverman told The Washington Post that he was soliciting local developers and consulting with federal agencies regarding potential sites. According to the Post, federal officials are looking for up to 55 acres and 2.1 million square feet of office space.

"Any jurisdiction which has the opportunity to have the FBI in it would be crazy not to figure out how to get the job done," Silverman told the paper.

Prince George's County and Fairfax County have previously said that they plan to bid on the lucrative contract, while Alexandria officials also said that they would look into submitting a bid as well. Prince George's was thought to be the only Maryland jurisdiction that would submit a bid.

"We are disappointed with Montgomery, but that is their prerogative," Prince George's Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Officer David Ianucci told the Post. Earlier this month, News4 reported that D.C. officials would support the FBI moving to Prince George's County if it meant that the Washington Redskins would be allowed to break their lease.

Dedicated in 1975, the FBI's present home on Pennsylvania Avenue has been called "downtown D.C.'s ugliest edifice." Officials say that the building is overcrowded and relies on antiquated systems that need substantial updating, hence the need for a new home.

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