D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act
Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
Summary
Gives the District of Columbia control over the RFK Memorial Stadium land so it can be redeveloped for new uses like a stadium, homes, and businesses.
What problem does this solve?
The District of Columbia could not redevelop the old RFK stadium land because it was controlled by the federal government. This law gives control to D.C. for at least 99 years, allowing the city to build new housing, businesses, parks, and a potential stadium on the site.
Who does this affect?
- Residents of the District of Columbia
- Government of the District of Columbia
- U.S. Department of the Interior
What does this law do?
Transfers land control to D.C.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative control over the RFK Stadium campus to the District of Columbia within 180 days.
Sets a 99-year term
Establishes the transfer of control for a period of at least 99 years, with the option for renewal.
Allows for broad development
Permits the land to be used for a stadium, commercial and residential buildings, parks, open space, and other public activities.
Mandates public park space
Requires that at least 30 percent of the campus be developed and maintained as parks and open space for public recreation.
Prohibits federal funds for a stadium
Forbids the District of Columbia from using any federal money for the construction of a stadium, training facilities, or related structures.
Protects the Anacostia riverfront
Ensures development improves public access to the Anacostia River, does not interrupt the river trail, and restricts new development in the protected riparian area.
Includes a reversion clause
Allows the federal government to take back control of the land if the District of Columbia fails to follow the agreed-upon terms and does not fix the issue within 90 days of being notified.
Repeals the D.C. stadium act of 1957
Cancels the old law that governed the stadium and terminates the previous lease between the United States and D.C. for the campus.
What is the real world impact?
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Paves the way for a new professional sports stadium
Allows the District to use the land for stadium purposes. While the law blocks the use of federal money for a stadium, it clears a major hurdle for D.C. to build a new venue, possibly to bring an NFL team back to the city.
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Spurs economic growth in Washington, D.C.
Permits the development of new commercial and residential properties on a large piece of underused land. This can create jobs, increase the city's tax base, and provide new housing and shopping options for residents.
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Creates new public parks and river access
Requires that at least 30% of the campus be turned into parks and open space for the public. It also ensures that development will improve public access to the Anacostia River and protect the existing river trail.
When does this start?
The transfer of the campus to the District of Columbia must be completed within 180 days of the law's enactment on January 6, 2025.
Land transfer deadline
The Secretary of the Interior must transfer administrative jurisdiction of the campus to D.C. no later than 180 days after the law is enacted.
Correction period for violations
If D.C. violates the agreement, it has 90 days to correct the issue after receiving written notice before the land can revert to federal control.