COPT Defense Properties Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Litigation

In the normal course of business, we are involved in legal actions arising from our ownership and administration of properties. We establish reserves for specific legal proceedings when we determine that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not anticipate that any liabilities that may result from such proceedings will have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, operations or liquidity. Our assessment of the potential outcomes of these matters involves significant judgment and is subject to change based on future developments.

Environmental

We are subject to various Federal, state and local environmental regulations related to our property ownership and operation. We have performed environmental assessments of our properties, the results of which have not revealed any environmental liability that we believe would have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, operations or liquidity.

Tax Incremental Financing Obligation

In August 2010, Anne Arundel County, Maryland issued $30 million in tax incremental financing bonds to third-party investors in order to finance public improvements needed in connection with our project known as National Business Park North. The real estate taxes on increases in assessed value of a development district encompassing National Business Park North are to be transferred to a special fund pledged to the repayment of the bonds. We recognized a $1.4 million liability through December 31, 2016 representing our estimated obligation to fund through a special tax any future shortfalls between debt service on the bonds and real estate taxes available to repay the bonds.

Operating Leases

We are obligated as lessee under operating leases (mostly ground leases) with various expiration dates extending to the year 2100. Future minimum rental payments due under the terms of these operating leases as of December 31, 2016 follow (in thousands):



Year Ending December 31,
2017	$	1,159
2018	1,113
2019	1,082
2020	1,089
2021	1,087
Thereafter	85,719
	$	91,249

Contractual Obligations

We had amounts remaining to be incurred under various contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016 that included the following:


•	new development and redevelopment obligations of $63.9 million;


•	capital expenditures for operating properties of $56.5 million;


•	third party construction and development of $12.6 million; and


•	purchase obligations of $1.5 million.

Environmental Indemnity Agreement

In connection with a lease and subsequent sale in 2008 and 2010 of three properties in Dayton, New Jersey, we agreed to provide certain environmental indemnifications limited to $19 million in the aggregate. We have insurance coverage in place to mitigate much of any potential future losses that may result from these indemnification agreements.