Transportation (Rail)

This resolution declares an emergency to temporarily amend the District's Urban Forest Preservation Act, allowing the removal of a Heritage Tree directly on the Long Bridge Project site. It specifically affects the Long Bridge Project (managed by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and DC's Department of Transportation), which needs to remove an American Elm tree blocking construction. The key provision requires applicants to prove the tree cannot be protected in place or relocated without excessive cost ($1 million+) or public disruption, and mandates payment of $1,200 per inch of the tree's circumference ($37,890 total for this tree). This exception enables the project to proceed without violating current Heritage Tree protections.

This bill temporarily amends the Urban Forest Preservation Act to allow removal of Heritage Trees near the Long Bridge Project (managed by Virginia Passenger Rail Authority) under specific conditions. It requires the Mayor to issue a permit only if: no design alternative avoids the tree, the tree cannot be protected in place, relocation costs exceed $1 million or would cause public burden, and the applicant pays $1,200 per inch of tree circumference. The amendment applies solely to this project and expires 225 days after enactment. It directly affects developers of the Long Bridge Project and the District’s tree preservation enforcement process.

This emergency bill modifies the Urban Forest Preservation Act to allow removal of Heritage Trees adjacent to the Long Bridge Project (managed by Virginia Passenger Rail Authority) under specific conditions. The Mayor must issue permits if no design alternative avoids the tree, in-place protection is impossible, relocation costs exceed $1 million or causes public burden, and the project pays $1,200 per inch of tree circumference. It directly affects the Long Bridge Project developers and Heritage Tree owners by creating a streamlined removal process for trees on or near the project site. The bill is temporary, taking effect immediately but lasting only 90 days as an emergency measure.