House passes RFK revitalization bill, opening possibility for Commanders return

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The Home voted to go a invoice permitting D.C. to redevelop the outdated RFK Stadium web site in Northeast, sending the measure to the Senate. Virtually each member of the Maryland delegation voted in opposition to the invoice.

The Home voted Wednesday to go a invoice that may enable D.C. to redevelop the outdated RFK web site, a transfer extensively seen as opening the door for development of a brand new stadium for the Washington Commanders.

The RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, which might enter D.C. right into a 99-year lease of the positioning, handed the Home on a 348-55 vote and can now head to the Senate.

“This invoice is a win-win for the federal and D.C. governments,” mentioned D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who’s co-sponsoring the invoice alongside Rep. James Comer, R-KY.

Except for Rep. Jamie Raskin, who didn’t vote, each member of the Maryland delegation voted in opposition to the invoice. The Virginia delegation was extra combined, with six members voting sure, 4 voting no and one not voting.

Forward of Wednesday’s vote, Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey spoke in opposition to the RFK revitalization act.

“Like different members of the Maryland delegation, I consider Prince George’s County in Maryland ought to be capable to compete on a stage enjoying area to maintain the Washington Commanders, however this invoice would give an unfair benefit to D.C.,” Ivey mentioned. “It’s most definitely not a stage enjoying area when one jurisdiction receives a free switch of federal authorities backed land.”

Norton responded to Ivey’s feedback by citing the Nationwide Park Service’s $23 billion upkeep backlog, saying the company doesn’t have the cash to remodel the RFK web site from acres of asphalt into parks or mixed-use land.

She acknowledged that whereas D.C. is not going to pay the federal authorities for management of the positioning itself, the town will make investments into the property.

“It’s anticipated D.C. will spend lots of of tens of millions of {dollars} reworking the positioning from acres of asphalt into mixed-use growth. This invoice wouldn’t require a stadium to be constructed on the web site. Whether or not to construct a stadium could be a call for the elected D.C. authorities. A number of members of the D.C. Council have expressed opposition to a brand new soccer stadium on the web site,” Norton mentioned.

Main League Soccer facet D.C. United was the final skilled sports activities staff to play at RFK in 2017. The stadium was finally scheduled to be demolished, although no date has been set.

The NFL’s Washington Commanders, now below new possession, have been exploring choices for a brand new dwelling. The staff is contractually obligated to play at its present stadium in Landover, Maryland, by way of 2027. On Tuesday, staff possession mentioned it deliberate to dedicate round $75 million for upgrades to the power.

The Commanders have lengthy supported the effort to get management of the RFK web site again into the palms of D.C. whereas additionally pursuing potential sites in Northern Virginia. In the meantime, in Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore is urging the team to stay in Prince George’s County and has led efforts to pump lots of of tens of millions of {dollars} into the encircling space.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a supporter of the laws, thanked legislators in a press release for advancing the invoice by way of the Home.

“Tonight’s vote was a big step ahead in our efforts to unlock the complete potential of the RFK Campus — for our residents and guests, the neighborhood, and DC’s Comeback,” Bowser mentioned. “We sit up for working with the Senate to swiftly advance this laws.”