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HR 4984

D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act

118th Congress Introduced by Joyce Beatty and 19 co-sponsors

Transfers federal administrative control of RFK Campus to DC for mixed-use redevelopment with at least 30% park space and environmental/community protections.

Presented to President.
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Bill Summary · HR 4984

Summary — H.R. 4984: D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act

Status (documented): Passed House (Feb 29, 2024) and Senate (Dec 21, 2024) and presented to the President (Dec 27, 2024). (Introduced July 27, 2023; reported by House committees Feb 23, 2024.)
Primary sponsors: Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. James Comer; multiple bipartisan cosponsors.

Purpose

Authorize transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Memorial Stadium Campus from the federal government (Interior/General Services authority under 40 U.S.C. §8124) to the District of Columbia so the District may redevelop the site for stadium, commercial, residential, park, and related public uses — subject to specified protections, covenants, and conditions.

Key provisions

  • Transfer mechanics

    • Requires the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the RFK Campus to the District within 180 days of enactment, using authority in 40 U.S.C. §8124.
    • Waives the statutory requirement for a prior recommendation from the National Capital Planning Commission for this transfer.
    • Clarifies that the transfer changes administrative control only and does not change federal ownership of the land.

  • Authorized uses after transfer

    • Stadium-related uses (including training facilities and offices).
    • Commercial and residential development.
    • Parks, open space, cultural/educational/recreational facilities.
    • Any public uses the Campus had or was approved for prior to June 1, 1985.
    • Demolition as necessary to facilitate redevelopment.

  • Required protections and conditions (to be included in a Declaration of Covenants)

    • At least 30% of the Campus (excluding the riparian area) must be designated, developed, operated and maintained as “Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Park” for active and passive recreation for the duration of the transfer.
    • Restore wetlands south of Kingman Island and avoid material degradation of National Park Service lands.
    • Improve public access to the Anacostia River and preserve the Anacostia River Trail.
    • Provide for parking, public safety/security, and measures to reduce noise and traffic impacts on nearby residential neighborhoods.
    • Operate and maintain the riparian area consistent with specified standards.
    • Prohibit Members of Congress, the District’s officials, and other specified federal/D.C. officials from receiving private lease shares or benefits from leases entered under the transferred administrative jurisdiction (with an exception for ordinary shareholders of publicly held entities).

  • Survey and documentation

    • District must conduct a licensed boundary survey to define acreage and legal description; incorporate that survey into the Declaration of Covenants.
    • Survey must be submitted to specified House and Senate committees and kept on public file with the Secretary.

  • Cost allocation and coordination

    • The Secretary and the District must enter a memorandum of understanding to allocate costs and responsibilities between the United States and the District (further details in the bill text).

Who is affected

  • District of Columbia government: gains administrative control to plan and execute redevelopment.
  • U.S. Department of the Interior and General Services (administrative transfer duties).
  • National Park Service and nearby federal lands (protected from adverse impacts).
  • Local residents, park and trail users, potential developers, and businesses.
  • Federal ownership remains intact (only administrative control transfers).

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Transfer required within 180 days of enactment.
  • District must perform the specified survey “as soon as practicable” after enactment and submit results to congressional committees.
  • The bill passed both chambers and was presented to the President on Dec 27, 2024; final effect requires the President’s signature (or other disposition).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Enables mixed-use redevelopment of the RFK site while preserving significant open space (minimum 30%) and river access.
  • Waiver of NCPC recommendation may speed transfer but reduces a level of federal planning review.
  • Retention of federal ownership could affect long-term management, liability, and financing arrangements; the MOU and Declaration of Covenants will govern many operational details.
  • The bill contains several environmental and community-protection conditions (wetland restoration, riparian management, traffic/noise mitigation) intended to limit adverse local impacts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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