CFO Warns District to Make Decision on Stadium Parking

WASHINGTON - District officials are being warned by the city's chief financial officer: They need to decide what to do about parking at the new stadium for the Nationals or risk substantial cost overruns that could jeopardize the District's ability to complete school improvements.

In an eight-page letter to the City Council, CFO Natwar M. Gandhi says, "It is clear that the Council must act promptly. There is unfortunately no administrative 'fix' within the parameters of existing laws."

If the city cannot reach a decision on how to provide the required parking spaces at the Nationals new stadium, the city may have to raise taxes on big businesses and it could make it harder for the city to borrow money for big ticket projects, such as school improvements.

It's possible the new stadium could be completed, but because the parking doesn't meet team requirements the Nationals would play at RFK rent free during the 2008 season, adding substantial cost overruns to the $611 million price tag.

Gandhi says only three options remain. All of those options require either millions more in city funds or approval from the Nationals. Last week the City Council failed to agree on any of these options.

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