FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2004

CONTACT: Stacey Farnen 202-225-3130

HOYER: ANACOSTIA WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IMPORTANT FIRST STEP

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in support of the recent vote by the D.C. City Council to establish an Anacostia Waterfront Development Corporation:

“The creation of the Anacostia Waterfront Development Corporation as an independent instrument to oversee and direct the redevelopment of the lands adjacent to the Anacostia River is an important first-step in transforming an area that has been neglected for too long.

“It is my hope and expectation that the new corporation will use its powers to revitalize all of the land under its supervision, including the South Capitol Corridor, the gateway to the Nation’s capitol.  The Federal government, and particularly the U.S. Congress, has an interest in ensuring that the redevelopment of South Capitol Street is executed in a manner that recognizes the special place occupied by the U.S. Capitol building. 

“In the days ahead, I will reach out to District and Federal officials to determine the appropriate complementary role for the Federal government and to ensure that the federal interest in this ambitious project is properly represented and advanced.”

Congressman Hoyer has secured more than $30 million over the years for projects to improve the water quality of the Anacostia River and to restore the health and natural beauty of the river and the surrounding natural resources.  As a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and a member of the subcommittee that funds the U.S. Transportation Department, Congressman Hoyer secured $500,000 in federal funds to conduct a study of the South Capitol Gateway, and secured $7 million in fiscal year 2004, and $20 million with Delegate Norton in the House-passed Highway bill this year, for the rehabilitation of South Capitol Street and the Frederick Douglass Bridge. 

 

 

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