Maryland Lobbies For FBI HQ With Incentives
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- With the FBI looking to move from its downtown Washington DC headquarters, Maryland is lobbying head to bring it to Prince George's County.
Alex DeMetrick reports, Prince George's County says it's the perfect place for G-men.
The FBI is planning to move not to downsize but to upsize and Springfield, Va. and Landover, especially Greenbelt in Maryland would love to be the new home.
Maryland's pitch?
"It's the most convenient locations for the workforce that currently works for the FBI -- a lot of workers already live in Maryland," said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.).
Right now that number at FBI headquarters is bursting at the seams.
The agency wants more room to house not only staff, but a total of 11,000 of its workers currently scattered around 20 different locations.
Another 10,000 jobs in support come also come.
"The economic activity generated by 21,000 jobs generated about $3.4 million in gross domestic product or economic output," Daraius Irani, aTowson University economist, said.
"So it really will have a domino effect as far as economic growth is concerned," Cardin said.
Money Maryland would love to see that. So the state is offering financial incentives for the FBI to move here. But, Virginia has its own inducements.
The FBI's training academy is in Quantico, not far from Springfield. The Virginia property already belongs to the government, where it's used primarily for equipment storage.
Which location turns out to be the FBI's most wanted will ultimately be Congress' decision.
Both states are expected to lobby Congress head for the FBI headquarters. A decision could take at least a year.
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