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said during last week’s press conference overlooking the long, narrow strip of rail tracks and utility towers. “We are going to build this stadium and nothing is going to stop us.”
Wilder’s and Cooke’s strongest argument for building the stadium is pure economics. Cooke said the massive project, including environmental tests and cleanup, road and transit improvements, would pump about “$1 billion” into the ailing local economy.
It will provide thousands of new jobs, generate new businesses, revitalize a depressed urban strip and perhaps ignite a badly-needed, economic recovery in Northern Virginia, both men contend.
Cooke’s decision to build the stadium in a decaying rail yard marks the end of months of speculation about his plans.
Other sites under consideration included Springfield, off Edsall Hoad, and Fair Oaks, near the new Fairfax County government center.
Asked why the Fair Oaks site proved undesirable, Cooke replied curtly: “It’s too far away.”
Fairfax County Board Chairman Thomas Davis III welcomed the Cooke-Wilder plan to bring the Redskins to Northern Virginia, saying it “makes good business sense” although he added that Wilder needs to provide a detailed plan about how the stadium will be financed.
The state would need to raise $130 million in revenue bonds, but it’s uncertain how the money would be spent. Wilder has said he will call a special session of the General Assembly to get approval of the bond funding scheme.
The money would go toward installing new utilities and sewer facilities, improving
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