National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Robert Cardillo announced late this afternoon that he has signed the Record of Decision indicating the NGA has selected the North St. Louis site for its new headquarters. The selection of North St. Louis had been expected following the Final Environmental Impact Statement that was released in April by the Army Corps of Engineers.
St. Clair County had been a contender for the headquarters, offering up 400 acres of land near Scott Air Force Base at no cost to the mapping and spy agency. St. Clair County and Illinois leaders have been fighting since April to have a review of the FEIS done after multiple flaws with the report had been discovered, including the Corps mistaking St. Clair County, Illinois, for St. Clair County, Missouri, and St. Clair County, Michigan.
Last Friday, Congressmen Mike Bost and Rodney Davis, along with a large number of local leaders, held a public forum and update at the Katy Cavin’s Center. The congressmen both said they will pursue an investigation of the selection process and will work to have the decision overturned if North St. Louis is chosen.
The following press release was issued by the NGA at 4:50 p.m. on June 2…
SPRINGFIELD, Va. —The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Robert Cardillo
signed the Record of Decision Thursday, June 2, indicating NGA’s final selection for its west
headquarters. The ROD designates the north St. Louis City site, at the corner of north Jefferson
and Cass avenues as the Next NGA West location.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement was released by the Army Corps of Engineers April
1, naming St. Louis city site as the agency preferred alternative location. After a one-month,
extended comment period, the site in north city at the corner of north Jefferson and Cass
avenues, was finalized as the agency’s future location.
“When determining where our next west headquarters would be located, I considered a number
of factors, but most importantly, our mission,” said Cardillo. “I appreciate the support and input
throughout the process from all the local communities in Missouri and Illinois, all of which I
considered in making this decision.”
Identifying the agency preferred alternative and record of decision involved reviewing the final
environmental analysis findings by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and an evaluation of
each site using mission, security, laws/regulations/Executive Orders, cost and schedule criteria.
“Ultimately this location, near a quickly-growing technological and professional environment, will
allow for NGA to integrate capabilities and technologies in support of our mission to provide
accurate and relevant geospatial intelligence to our customers.” he said. “I am very confident
our new facility in north city will secure the future of this agency for generations to come.”
The NGA site selection process began in 2012 when the agency announced plans to move from
its current location at 3200 South 2nd Street and Arsenal Street. A series of planning studies,
including an economic analysis, determined it would be less costly, quicker and less disruptive,
to build a new facility rather than upgrade current facilities.
For more information about the Record of Decision and up-to-date information on the Next NGA
West project, please visit nextNGAwest.com.