RFK Stadium site in use for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon by EventsDC.

US House approves RFK stadium site redevelopment bill

In a 348-55 vote, the US House passed the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act on Wednesday, granting the District a 99-year lease for the site and the ability to invest in mixed-use development, which may or may not include a new stadium for the Washington Commanders. Members of the Maryland delegation voted against the bill and expressed concern that the District would use this as leverage to convince the Washington Commanders to move back to the RFK Memorial Stadium site rather than stay in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  (Thomas Robertson / WTOP)  

WMATA given 90 days to rectify gaps in train operator certification process

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, an independent agency that oversees the safety of the Metrorail system, reported that WMATA’s Metrorail train operators might lack crucial skills. WMATA has a 90-day deadline to identify uncertified employees, conduct certifications, and create an action plan to ensure future compliance.  (Nick Iannelli / WTOP)  

HUD greenlights redevelopment plan for Annapolis’ Harbour House and Eastport Terrace public housing

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved the Annapolis Housing Authority’s redevelopment plan for its Harbour House and Eastport Terrace public housing communities. The initiative, backed by the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant, focuses on leveraging funds for a comprehensive revitalization, including doubling available homes, enhancing access, and introducing green spaces. The housing authority can now move forward to secure up to $50 million in implementation grant funds. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Royale Bonds / Baltimore Banner)  

Alexandria Union Station ranks second in Southeast for Amtrak ridership

Amtrak reports that Alexandria Union Station had the second-highest ridership in the southeastern United States in 2023, with 327,285 passengers, just behind Richmond. Amtrak’s president stated that the growth is the result of ‘the substantial investments North Carolina and Virginia are making to expand and improve passenger rail’.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Local mom takes action as dangerous conditions persist at Capitol Hill school crossing

Allison McGill, a local parent, spends most mornings volunteering to help children cross the street at the dangerous intersection of 11th and G Streets SE near Tyler Elementary School in Capitol Hill. Despite crossing guards and occasional police presence, speeding and near-miss crashes persist. Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen is working with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for a more regular presence at the intersection, and has asked that the District Department of Transportation evaluate the entire corridor for safety.   (Scott Gelman / WTOP)  

Challenges in meeting water infrastructure demand pose threat to Washington County growth

Washington County, Maryland, faces critical water infrastructure challenges as a decade of significant population growth, with 7,000 more households, strains the aging system. Issues include 100-year-old pipes, water pressure problems, and lack of maintenance, prompting calls for a $1 million state-funded system upgrade and the potential creation of an autonomous city-county water authority.  (Steven Cohen / DC News Now)  

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