3- GARDENERS, WG-6: Three new positions and an amount of $108,000 are requested in fiscal year 1994 to provide for three gardener positions in the Capitol Grounds appropriation. of this amount, $78,000 is employee benefits. requested for compensation at the WG-6 level and $30,000 is for related

These positions are required to maintain the additional workload due to increased planting areas and beds. These additional areas include the new raised plant beds on the West Front Terrace. Additionally, for the past two years, funding has been provided for landscape improvements to the Grounds. This funding has been utilized to plant new trees and shrubs, as well as create new flower beds and other new landscaping features. The new gardener positions will enable the appropriate care of the additional improvements.

This work is performed under contract, and involves the removal of solid waste from various buildings in the Capitol Complex. These include the Capitol, the House and Senate Office Buildings, the Botanic Garden and the Supreme Court Building, funding for which is provided in another appropriation. For fiscal year 1994, an increase of $173,000 is requested to cover the cost of these services. The District of Columbia increased disposal fees at the regional waste disposal site. Based on the present tonnage (approximately 4,000 tons) disposed annually, a total need of $173,000 is required.

A $3,000 increase to Supplies and Materials is requested to provide for the various items procured for the maintenance of the Capitol Grounds. The largest increases are requested for grass seed ($1,000), soil amendments such as peat, fertilizer and sod ($1,000) and insecticides and fungicides ($1,000). These increases are required to meet price level increases.

The current water truck, a 1966 Ford, is worn out and repairs are so costly and frequent that replacement is required. A truck equipped with a 300 gallon capacity water tank and hose is required for watering the annual flowers and evergreen plantings in the numerous security planters. Such a truck is also required for the planting and proper watering of individual trees and shrubs during their first few weeks of becoming established.

Priority work proposed for the Capitol Grounds during fiscal year 1994 will be directed toward completing the network of curb ramps throughout the Capitol complex. Although the core areas around the U.S. Capitol are accessible, a substantial number of problems remain at the periphery. Individuals in wheelchairs have continued to notify this office of the need for additional work. A survey will be conducted to identify the highest priority curb ramp projects to be completed during the fiscal year.

Thus an amount of $50,000 is requested on a "No Year" basis and it is proposed to allow that amount to remain in the budget base until the completion of the program, which is estimated will take approximately seven years. These funds are necessary to provide for materials and labor to design and perform the necessary modifications, as well as to provide for additional assistance from qualified consultants.

Objectives

This appropriation provides for the care of the Capitol Grounds as defined in the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended by the Acts of October 20, 1967 (40 U.S.C. 193a) and Section 739 of Public Law 93-198 (87 Stat. 825-830) Approximately 191 acres of lawn areas, sidewalks, streets trees and shrubs, lawn irrigation systems with and further amended by Public Law 96-432 (94 Stat. 1851). Thousands of approximately 10,000 sprinkler heads, underground sewer and drainage systems, terraces, retaining walls, fountains, and roadways comprise the Capitol Grounds. The landscaped areas above the two underground House Garages, the House and Senate parking lots, the Taft Memorial, traffic signals, walk lights and demand lights, are and reflecting pools are located on the Capitol Grounds. also maintained by the grounds force. The care and operation of the grounds' motor and other equipment is performed by mechanics funded in this appropriation.

For many years, the Capitol Grounds comprised only the area lying between Independence Avenue and Constitution In 1929-1935, the Capitol Grounds were Avenue and First Street East and First Street West and totaled 58.8 acres. enlarged by the acquisition and development of the area north of Constitution Avenue, lying between that Avenue and This addition of 61.4 acres increased the total area of the Capitol Grounds to 120.2 acres. Union Station.

The Architect performs his duties under authority of the Acts of August 15, 1876 (19 Stat. 147), March 4, 1929 (45 Stat. 1694), and July 31, 1946 (60 Stat. 718), as amended by the Act of October 20, 1967 (81 Stat. 275) and the A regular force of 85 gardeners, helpers, laborers, mechanics, and Act of December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 825-830). supervisory personnel is required for 1994. A breakdown of the force is as follows:

employees in care of the Grounds of House Office Buildings and Annexes, Capitol Power Plant and landscaped areas around and above underground garages, Southeast and Southwest Grounds.⭑ employees in care of the Grounds of Senate Office Buildings, Northeast and Northwest Grounds.* employees in care of the Grounds in vicinity of Capitol Building.*

employees for tree surgery work.

7

4

employees for direction, supervision, and clerical work.

and gardening. employees for direction and supervision of specialized planting, pruning, spraying, landscape work

new gardener positions. ⭑

Includes trimming, cultivating, weeding, planting, transplanting, spraying, pruning,

grass cutting, and other gardening functions.

During inclement weather, the Capitol grounds employees are used for such work as repair and sharpening of tools, repair of equipment, cleaning debris from the Capitol, and other miscellaneous cleaning work. They are also used for raking and removing leaves, snow removal, and assisting in preparing for functions, band concerts, parades, unveiling exercises and other Capitol ceremonies, Flag Day exercises, Inaugural Ceremonies, and the like.