Mayor Gray’s and Mayor-Elect Bowser’s Statements on the DC United Stadium Vote

Renderings courtesy DC United

From a press release:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray released the following statement in response to today’s affirmative vote by the Council on the “District of Columbia Soccer Stadium Development Act of 2014” to move forward with a stadium for DC United at Buzzard Point:

“I am pleased the Council voted today to move my soccer stadium proposal forward; however, the funding mechanism the Chairman advanced in a separate bill is clearly unlawful. As the Office of Attorney General has opined, and the Chief Financial Officer has agreed, that bill is void.

“Later this week, I will transmit to the Council for approval a list of reprogrammings – developed with the Mayor-elect and certified by the Chief Financial Officer – that will lawfully finance the stadium and allow construction to move forward.”

and

“Mayor-Elect Muriel Bowser issued the following statement regarding the unanimous Council approval of the new D.C. soccer stadium deal:

“The future of a brand new soccer stadium took a big step towards becoming a reality today. I am thankful to my Council colleagues for stepping up to support a deal that treats all stakeholders fairly and promotes an open and transparent process for District taxpayers. De-linking the Reeves Center means more community input and a deal that will be made on the District’s terms. I am confident that together with Mayor Gray and Chairman Mendelson, we will be able to finance a facility that will create jobs, spur development, and provide quality housing for more residents for years to come.”