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Working & the Economy

Stadium Funding Bill Thrown for a Loss

The proposed “stadium compact” has been stuffed at the line of scrimmage.

The idea, as conceived by opponents of using public funds for NFL stadiums, was to have Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., enter an agreement not to try to outbid one another in pursuit of the Washington Redskins.

Moon

Del. David Moon

While team owner Daniel Snyder’s lease at FedEx Field in Landover runs until 2027, the Redskins have already tasked an architect with designing a new stadium. Dels. David Moon (D-Montgomery) and Trent Kittleman (R-Howard) testified last week on behalf of their bill, which would block Maryland and its political subdivisions from using taxpayer funds on a new stadium — or offering free or cut-rate land.

As that discussion was taking place, a legislative panel in Virginia was voting to table a bill offered by Del. Michael Webert (R-Fauquier), effectively scotching the regional stadium compact effort for this year. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that lawmakers rejected the measure unanimously, with no discussion.

Just as some Virginia leaders hope to lure the Redskins to Loudoun County, several influential D.C. leaders hope the club will build a new stadium on the site of their former home, RFK Stadium.

“We’re probably going to end up fighting this for five years,” Moon said. “We’re moving the dialogue.”

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Stadium Funding Bill Thrown for a Loss