Commanders Back to DC? New Legislation Creates Path That Could Make it Happen

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, bipartisan legislation that transfers administrative jurisdiction over the RFK stadium site from the Secretary of the Interior to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). The bill will allow GSA to enter into a lease with the District of Columbia, under which D.C. may use the land for stadium redevelopment, commercial and residential development, or other public purposes.

“The House Oversight Committee remains committed to working with Washington, D.C. officials to ensure a capital that is prosperous for residents and visitors for generations to come. After discussing city initiatives with D.C. Mayor Bowser and other local stakeholders, it has become clear that addressing the deteriorating conditions at the RFK Memorial stadium site is a top economic priority for the city,” said Chairman James Comer. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, which is long overdue legislation that will provide D.C. leaders the opportunity to revitalize the RFK stadium site. This legislation is set to pave the way for local officials to create meaningful new jobs, add millions in city revenue, and transform the Anacostia River waterfront into a lively destination for all.”

“The RFK site sits on underused federal land in D.C. that could be redeveloped, generating tax revenue for D.C.,” Norton said. “Neither the Mayor nor the Council Chair opposes this bill, which would allow D.C. to put the site to productive use – a vast improvement on the current state of affairs. I look forward to working with Chairman Comer to pass this bill as quickly as possible.”

Background: The RFK Memorial Stadium opened in 1961 and hosted its last event in 2017. The D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act transfers administrative jurisdiction over the RFK stadium site from the Secretary of Interior to the GSA, which has a track record of managing commercial leases. Under the Act, GSA would be required to enter into a lease with the District of Columbia, under which D.C. may use the land for stadium purposes, commercial and residential development, providing recreational facilities or open space, or additional public purposes. The bill allows for a lease of up to 99 years which may be renewed by GSA.

The legislation also requires development to not adversely impact any lands under National Park Service jurisdiction, designate at least 30 percent of the land as open space, improve access to the Anacostia River and Anacostia River Trail, provide parking for residential and commercial development, provide adequate safety and security measures, and reduce the impact of noise on surrounding areas.

Read bill text here. Featured photo courtesy of Google Earth.