The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) awarded a construction contract to Flintco Inc. to build a new federal building and park to replace the Alfred P. Murrah

Building in Oklahoma City, OK. Congress approved the $40 million project shortly

after a truck bomb destroyed the Murrah Building and killed 168 people on April 19, 1995.

"Six years ago after the Murrah Building bombing, people marveled at the

strength and resolve of Americans in the aftermath of that tragedy," said

Stephen A. Perry, GSA Administrator. "That strength of spirit was shown on

Sept. 11 at the Pentagon, in the skies above Pennsylvania – where the

acts of courageous passengers prevented additional tragedy – and in New York,

where we watched the tireless efforts of firefighters and police officers

helping us recover from the current disaster."

Moving forward to build the new federal building in Oklahoma City underlines the resolve voiced by President Bush when he said that terrorists, "can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America; these acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."

"Watching this new building take shape is important to Oklahoma City, as

another sign of overcoming the adversity of terrorism," said Congressman

Ernest Istook, who sought the funding for the project in 1995 and now chairs

the subcommittee funding the project. "It’s a key part of the new vibrancy in

downtown Oklahoma City and will spur other new development in an area that

greatly needs it."

The new federal building will be part of a two-square-block campus, beginning one block north and west of the site of the former Murrah Building, which is occupied by the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and adjacent to the Memorial Center Museum.

The building’s design incorporates recommendations of the Department of Justice study to include setbacks from the streets, earthen barriers, trees, posts and other security measures that will make it a model for safe and secure workplaces.

Plans for a groundbreaking ceremony will be announced in the near future.

Today's top stories

Fed Funding to Increase U.S. Battery Production

Teichert Tackles Tough Job Through Teamwork

Maze of Policy Changes May Complicate IIJA Implementation

AECON Installs 50-Ton Girders for New Washington Bridge

VIDEO: Tsurumi Pump Celebrates 100 Years

SPS New England, Select Demo Lead Boston Bridge Project

Alex Lyon Holds Annual Barbecue, Hay Camp, Auction

Kevin Chodkowski Joins Baschmann Services as Sales Representative