Congressman Hoyer Statement on the Rededication of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge

WASHINGTON, DC -Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) joined District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, and City officials today in marking the rededication of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The bridge, which carries thousands of Prince George's County and Southern Maryland commuters every day, has recently undergone a major rehabilitation effort.  Over the years, Rep. Hoyer has helped secure more than $23 million for the rehabilitation of South Capitol Street and the Frederick Douglass Bridge. While Hoyer was unable to attend the rededication ceremony, he marked the occasion with the following statement:

"I am honored to mark the rededication of the Frederick Douglass Bridge - a lasting monument to an individual that has impacted the lives of all of us and a man that both Maryland and the District can claim as a distinguished former resident.

"As a longtime advocate of the South Capitol Gateway Project and the revitalization of the Anacostia Waterfront, I am pleased that the rehabilitation of the Frederick Douglass Bridge is complete. I want to applaud Mayor Fenty, Delegate Norton and the City for their leadership and support of this important project.

"Today's rededication marks a critical step forward in our efforts to improve safety, advance the flow of traffic, and, importantly, remake this corridor into a worthy gateway for the thousands of residents, commuters, tourists, and international visitors and foreign dignitaries who enter the Nation's Capital over the Frederick Douglass Bridge every day.

"While every rush hour poses its own unique challenges, the impact of the Douglass Bridge rehabilitation efforts will no doubt be put to the test in just under three weeks with the opening of the new Nationals ballpark. 

"The Mayor knows I have been concerned about the impact of the new stadium on the commute of the many residents of my state who make use of the bridge on a daily basis. And while I appreciate the City's efforts to mitigate the stadium's impact to commuters, I urge the City and the Nationals to continue all possible efforts to minimize the effects of this upcoming significant transportation challenge.

"I look forward to continue working with the City, the federal government and all the stakeholders to help the Anacostia Waterfront and South Capitol Street Corridor fulfill its tremendous potential."