Overview

Title

An Act To direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia so that the District may use the Campus for purposes including residential and commercial development, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

The bill wants to give control of a big area around a stadium in Washington, D.C., to the city so they can turn it into homes, stores, and parks. But they have to make sure it stays clean and safe and can't use federal money to fix the stadium.

Summary AI

H.R. 4984 aims to transfer the administrative control of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus from the federal government to the District of Columbia. This would allow D.C. to develop the area for residential, commercial, and public purposes, while ensuring a portion of the land is maintained as a park. The bill also includes specific conditions that D.C. must meet, such as not using federal funds for stadium purposes and maintaining environmental standards. The transfer would initially last for at least 99 years, with options for renewal.

Published

2024-03-05
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Referred in Senate
Date: 2024-03-05
Package ID: BILLS-118hr4984rfs

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
2,283
Pages:
12
Sentences:
45

Language

Nouns: 678
Verbs: 172
Adjectives: 111
Adverbs: 18
Numbers: 80
Entities: 159

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.56
Average Sentence Length:
50.73
Token Entropy:
5.10
Readability (ARI):
29.16

AnalysisAI

The proposed legislation, titled the "D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act," aims to facilitate the revitalization of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus. It is designed to transfer the administrative jurisdiction of the Campus from the federal government to the District of Columbia, allowing for the development of the area into a multi-purpose venue including residential and commercial uses while maintaining certain public and environmental protections.

General Summary of the Bill

The bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative control over the stadium campus to the District of Columbia within 180 days of enactment. The District of Columbia would gain the ability to redevelop the site for various uses, including stadium-related activities, commercial and residential development, and public spaces for cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Strict conditions come with this transfer, including environmental protections and the designation of part of the land to remain as park space.

A memorandum of understanding must also be entered to manage costs associated with environmental responsibilities. Importantly, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for stadium development and stipulates that the transfer is valid for at least 99 years. There are provisions for the reversion of control if certain terms are not met.

Summary of Significant Issues

Several issues arise with this legislation. First, there is a lack of clear accountability regarding who will ensure compliance with the Declaration of Covenants. Such oversight is crucial to prevent mismanagement. Furthermore, the absence of detailed financial implications for the District poses a risk of unforeseen expenses, potentially leading to financial strain.

The criteria for the reversion of administrative control due to noncompliance are vague, which may cause legal and operational uncertainties. The prohibition of federal funds lacks specificity, potentially allowing indirect federal support despite its intention. Some technical terms, such as "riparian area," are defined by external references, reducing public accessibility and understanding.

The absence of detailed obligations and assurances in the Declaration of Covenants leaves ambiguity about responsibilities, which could result in disputes or unmet objectives. Lastly, the memorandum required to share environmental liabilities lacks detail, potentially placing an unequal burden on the District.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the transformation of the Campus into a hub of mixed-use development could mean increased access to recreational, cultural, and commercial spaces. However, the public might bear indirect costs if the District faces financial strains or if environmental concerns are not adequately addressed. Noise, traffic, and changes in local dynamics could also impact surrounding communities.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

District of Columbia: The District stands to benefit significantly by gaining control over the Campus, allowing for tailored development that can stimulate economic growth and job creation. However, financial and administrative challenges might arise if the costs of development and environmental management are underestimated.

Federal Government: The federal government could benefit from transferring management responsibilities but retains ultimate ownership and bears the potential risk of stepping back if terms are violated.

Local Residents: Residents could see enhanced amenities and employment opportunities. Still, they might face inconveniences related to increased activity in the area, such as noise and traffic, if not managed properly.

Environmental Advocates: The bill’s environmental protections could align with advocates' goals but demand strong adherence to ensure wetland and trail protections are met, without imposing unexpected ecological costs.

The bill’s provisions provide a framework for development but require careful implementation to address potential oversight, financial, and environmental issues for the benefit of all involved stakeholders.

Issues

  • The transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus does not address accountability or specify who will ensure compliance with the Declaration of Covenants (Section 2(a)). This could lead to mismanagement or neglect without clear oversight or consequences.

  • The financial implications and estimated costs associated with the transfer, development, and maintenance of the Campus are not specified in Section 2. This lack of detail could result in unforeseen expenses for the District, possibly leading to financial strain or unfunded mandates.

  • The language concerning the potential reversion of administrative jurisdiction in Section 2(j) could be made clearer, particularly regarding the criteria for 'noncompliance' and the process by which it is determined by the Secretary, which may cause legal uncertainty for the District.

  • The prohibition on the use of federal funds for stadium purposes in Section 2(h) does not address potential loopholes for indirect funding. This could allow for the unintended use of federal funds if not explicitly tightened.

  • The term 'riparian area' in Section 2(g)(2) is defined by a map reference, which may not be easily accessible to the public. Providing greater detail directly in the text would improve transparency and understanding among stakeholders.

  • There is a lack of detail regarding the obligations and assurances pertaining to compliance in the Declaration of Covenants (Section 2(a)), leading to ambiguity about each party's responsibilities and protections. This might result in disputes or failure to meet agreed objectives.

  • The memorandum of understanding required in Section 2(e) to allocate costs of existing environmental liabilities lacks detail, potentially leaving the District financially vulnerable if costs are underestimated or not shared fairly.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The first section of the act provides its title, naming it the “D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.”

2. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction over RFK Memorial Stadium Campus to District of Columbia Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill outlines that within 180 days, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior must transfer control of RFK Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia, allowing the District to develop it for purposes like sports, commercial, and public use, while ensuring specific environmental protections and compliance with various conditions and regulations. The transfer won't affect ownership, lasts at least 99 years, prohibits using federal funds for stadium purposes, and is subject to reversion if terms aren't met.