The existing subway cars that operate between the Russell Senate Office Building and the U.S. Capitol have been in service for over 35 years. Although generally they have served their intended function well, in early December 1998, one car malfunctioned and the automatic braking system appeared to fail. This apparent operational failure has led to the conclusion that the cars need replacing at the earliest possible time. Moreover, existing equipment is not equipped to serve the needs of individuals with various disabilities. It is proposed that replacement cars be provided that will operate on the existing track system, provide better service by coordination of the two car system through electronic controller improvements, and accommodate persons with disabilities. The design process will also evaluate the potential of making the subway cars operate either with an attendant or without, similar to the new Hart-Dirksen-Capitol subway system.

The new subway cars will be designed by a consultant and be constructed by a contractor. Schematic design funding was appropriated in fiscal year 1998. An amount of $6 million was requested on a "No Year" basis in fiscal year 2000 to replace the subway system and modify the Capitol and Russell subway terminuses but was denied. Funding in the amount of $100,000 for design will be requested in fiscal year 2002. An estimated $6 million will be requested in fiscal year 2004 for the upgrade.

This project will repair and replace spalled and cracked marble floors and stairways in the public walkways and clean architectural surfaces in the public areas at the Russell Senate Office Building. The public corridors on floors one through four of the Russell Building are paved with marble. This includes the main Rotunda floor on the second floor and the public walkways that border the Rotunda on the second and third floors. The marble was installed during the original construction of the building which was completed in the early 1900's. Over the years, cracking and spalling of the marble pavers have occurred and where public safety has been endangered, emergency repairs

Senate Office Buildings

Capital Budget Projects Beginning in Fiscal Year 2002

have been made. Repairs generally consist of epoxy patches which are temporary in nature. In severe areas spot removal and replacement of marble has been accomplished. In order to correct the problem, it is proposed that damaged marble pavers be replaced in several phases.

The first phase would consist of replacement of damaged marble pavers on the second and third floor of the Rotunda area, replacement of the stairs between the first floor and basement at First and C Street, and repair of the most seriously damaged areas in the corridors on the first through fourth floor. The remaining work will be phased to perform the work in the corridors one floor at a time.

Additionally, the architectural marble in the entryways and corridors have become stained from the 90 years of smoking in the public areas. These areas are in need of a thorough cleaning to bring the architectural marble surfaces back to their original condition. It is proposed to clean these surfaces in phases in conjunction with the replacement of the marble floors. All work will be accomplished by the AOC's Construction Management Division, Construction Branch.

Replace Escalator, Dirksen Building Category:

Cyclical Maintenance

ecca The Dirksen Building escalator servicing the subway provides pedestrian access between the Basement and Ground Floors. This escalator is approaching twenty years of age and does not have all the safety features currently required by Code. Recently, the system has required increased maintenance which is typical in systems which are in need of a major refurbishing. This project would completely refurbish the escalator, and upgrade it with state of the art safety features. All major components would be modernized and upgraded and all minor components would be replaced. It is estimated that a modernization of this scope, for this type of escalator, will cost approximately $200,000.

SB.51

Senate Office Buildings

Capital Budget Projects Beginning in Fiscal Year 2002

anticipated that in addition to upgrades to restaurant equipment, this project will also improve the traffic flow and style of service thereby improving customer participation, and hence, profitability. Funding in the amount of $200,000 will be requested in fiscal year 2002 to provide for the design of this project.

$25,000

The counters and decor elements in the Senate Chef are dated in terms of aesthetics and are inefficient in terms of functionality. The high volume and operating hours have taken a serious toll over the ten years since the last renovation. This will be a design-build project by a selected cabinet maker or shop. All cabinets and laminated surfaces will be replaced with new ones designed and built by the contractor or shop. The design intent is to lend visual appeal and to speed flow. Construction will be done in shop and only limited time will be needed to install. The final look will incorporate up to date, energetic colors and finishes and will have the feel of a well designed franchised eatery. Given the fairly robust sales with its current look, the potential for a revived operation is substantial and may contribute significantly to the goal of being unsubsidized by Appropriations. The cost estimate of $25,000 is based on experience with similar cabinetry projects.

Improvement - Client

$230,000

This project has been requested by the Senate Sergeant at Arms. The existing electrical system serving the Senate Recording Studio needs to be upgraded to meet the demands of the recording studio's electrical loads. This project requires existing panels, which are over 40 years old, to be replaced, and relocated to meet National Electric Code requirements and installation of a new interuptible power supply (UPS) service to upgrade the system for clean and continuous power to the studio. The UPS is to be supplied by the Serrate Recording Studio.

Funds in the amount of $50,000 were provided in fiscal year 1998 for study and design. The study will define future cost estimates, which at the present time are estimated to be approximately $230,000 These funds will be requested in the fracal year 2002 budget.

The existing subway cars that operate between the Russell Senate Office Building and the U.S. Capitol have been in service for over 35 years. Although generally they have served their intended function well, in early December 1998, one car malfunctioned and the automatic braking system appeared to fail. This apparent operational failure has led to the conclusion that the cars need replacing at the earliest possible time. Moreover, existing equipment is not equipped to serve the needs of individuals with various disabilities. It is proposed that replacement cars be provided that will operate on the existing track system, provide better service by coordination of the two car system through electronic controller improvements, and accommodate persons with disabilities. The design process will also evaluate the potential of making the subway cars operate either with an attendant or without, similar to the new Hart-Dirksen-Capitol subway system.

This project will repair and replace spalled and cracked marble floors and stairways in the public walkways and clean architectural surfaces in the public areas at the Russell Senate Office Building. The public corridors on floors one through four of the Russell Building are paved with marble. This includes the main Rotunda floor on the second floor and the public walkways that border the Rotunda on the second and third floors. The marble was installed during the original construction of the building which was completed in the early 1900's. Over the years, cracking and spalling of the marble pavers have occurred and where public safety has been endangered, emergency repairs