HAMPTON, Va., July 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Building on nearly a century of exploration, aeronautics research and scientific discovery, NASA's Langley Research Center broke ground today for the first building in its "New Town" program, a $200-million facility improvement project designed to enhance mission performance capabilities and renew current facilities. In partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), NASA developed a master plan for modernizing the Langley infrastructure, while simultaneously reducing operations and maintenance costs. "This plan focuses on the future requirements of the Center while maintaining our tradition of technical excellence," said Center Director Lesa B. Roe at this morning's groundbreaking ceremony. "Concurrent with the new construction and renovation is phased demolition of deteriorated and underutilized facilities that will reduce the Center's footprint and increase our environmental stewardship." The federal government has embarked on a conservation program to reduce energy and water usage and increase renewable energy systems.
