Congress to decide fate of D.C. land

WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- The Bush Administration is urging Congress to approve the transfer of some federal land in Washington to District of Columbia control.

Office of Management and Budget director Joshua B. Bolten sent a letter to Congress Friday asking for approval, the Washington Post reports.

The land in question includes the former D.C. General Hospital on Capitol Hill, parking lots near Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and 100 acres on the Anacostia River.

District officials say they are losing money by not having the land on the tax roles. Congress estimates the District of Columbia loses more than $470 million a year in tax revenue.

The district wants to redevelop the riverfront and build new housing, healthcare facilities and office space.