Mayor Expected to Enter Talks with Howard University Regarding New Medical Center

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Councilmember David Catania (At-Large), Chairman Linda Cropp and Councilmembers Kevin Chavous (Ward 7) and Sandy Allen (Ward 8) introduced emergency legislation November 4, 2003, that encourages the Mayor to enter into negotiations with Howard University to construct a new hospital on Reservation 13, near the site of the former D.C. General Hospital. The bill calls on the Mayor to negotiate an agreement with Howard University for the District to lease land and support capital construction of a new hospital and submit that plan to the Council before January 15, 2004.

"Since D.C. General Hospital closed, the District's emergency services infrastructure has suffered. In life-or-death circumstances, our most vulnerable residents often have nowhere to go," Catania said.

The introduction of the bill follows weeks of preliminary discussions with Howard University, the Executive Branch and other Councilmembers. This measure is intended to assure Howard University that the general framework has the support of the Council and Mayor. What's more, it declares that the District will not manage or operate the new hospital.

Catania continued, "For more than two years, I've advocated for the creation of a state-of-the-art urban health care campus on the grounds of D.C. General. This framework for negotiations is a positive step in that direction."

For more information regarding this measure, contact the Office of Councilmember Catania at 202-724-7772.

[NOTE: Copies of Bill 15-546, the "National Capital Medical Center Negotiation Emergency Act of 2003" can be obtained by contacting the Legislative Services office at 202.724.8050 or by visiting our Web site at http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/lims/BillRecord.asp?billid=checked.doc.