News
Davis-Norton D.C. Land Transfer Bill Passes Senate, Heads to White House
Legislation will bolster District economy
November 17, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. Legislation proposed by Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., that would promote economic and tourist development in the District of Columbia through a series of land transfers won approval today in the U.S. Senate and now heads to the president's desk for his signature.
The bill, H R. 3699, "The Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006," authorizes the exchange of several parcels of land between the federal government and the District of Columbia. The proposal was submitted to Congress by the administration in 2005 with the strong support of the District.
These land transfers, some involving parcels the District has controlled for more than 100 years, were sculpted to ensure the properties would be used more effectively. In most cases, the transfers would allow the District to further develop the parcels, which will increase the city's tax base and reduce its financial dependence on the Federal government. Parks, neighborhoods and other uses are planned for the parcels being conveyed to the District.
"This is a victory for the District, the Federal government and taxpayers," said Davis, chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform. "It will enable the city to finally be able to develop land along the Anacostia River waterfront and in other locations critical to the economic development of the nation's capital. It will enable the federal government to acquire land more suited to its needs. And it will reduce taxpayer expense of maintaining these unneeded properties."
Davis said he was "especially pleased" that the legislation includes a provision to create a Disabled Veterans Memorial near the Capitol. The provision had been removed from the bill for security reasons during the process, but Davis helped find a way to provide for the memorial and protect the Capitol.
H.R. 3699 was introduced in the House on Sept. 8, 2005, and marked up by the Government Reform Committee later that month. Progress slowed after that because of concerns about environmental liability, security and land for the Architect of the Capitol.
The legislation would authorize the following transfers:
National Park Service would convey title of nine properties to the District.
NPS would transfer administrative jurisdiction of seven parcels to the District.
The District would transfer administrative jurisdiction of nine properties to NPS.
The District would convey title of two properties to the Park Service.
General Services Administration would convey title of two properties to the District.
The District would convey title to five buildings at St. Elizabeth's.
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