DC Council introduces proposal for new fund to support future maintenance at Nationals Park

WASHINGTON (7News) — A new proposal aims to keep Nationals Park up and running and updated for years to come.

The amendment, which is currently under review by the D.C. Council, was introduced by Council Chair Phil Mendelson in late December.

It would create a new long-term fund for maintaining and upgrading Nats Park.

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As it’s written, the proposed Ballpark Budget and Maintenance Fund would use:

• Leftover money from ballpark revenue
• Ballpark Sales Tax
• Rent paid from the lease of the ballpark

Any leftover money from the ballpark revenue fund would be transferred to this new fund.

It would be further financed through sales tax collected at the ballpark and rent paid from the lease of the ballpark.

This comes as the Washington Wizards and Capitals appear ready for a move out of D.C. and into Northern Virginia. The amendment would give the nationals the commitment that the organization has been calling for for years.

Mendelson said this amendment is completely self-funded, and “has no fiscal impact, requires no borrowing, and no general fund revenue.”

“With this recommitment, the revitalization of our stadium can continue to be a staple in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood,” Mendelson said in a statement. “The District owns this stadium and we must keep it in good repair and up to date. This bill prioritizes paying off existing stadium debt.”

Read Mendelson’s full statement below:

“We are thrilled for the future of Nationals Ballpark in the District. With this recommitment, the revitalization of our stadium can continue to be a staple in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. The District owns this stadium and we must keep it in good repair and up to date. This bill also prioritizes paying off existing stadium debt," the chairman said. “It is important to note this legislation is entirely self-funded. It has no fiscal impact, requires no borrowing, and no General Fund revenue is being used for this maintenance,” Mendelson added. “Not only are we providing a stable future for the ballpark and its team, but the on-going upkeep will be paid entirely by the stadium and its fans.”

Mendelson’s office said the legislation will need to have a hearing before being voted on.