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Convention Center HQ Hotel Update
The team representing the city, the Washington Convention Center Authority and the development group headed by Marriott executed in fall 2007 a Memorandum of Agreement outlining the terms upon which a new HQ Hotel will be built. They are now working to finalize the formal Funding and Development Agreement, necessary Leases, and a bond issuance plan to move the project forward. Given the District's permitting and zoning process, groundbreaking is expected in 2009 with a 3-year construction period thereafter. This is a large and complex public-private project, and time has had to be taken to develop a business model and conceptual design that met not only Marriott's needs but also those of all of the District's stakeholders. Having now achieved our basic agreement, the parties are moving forward as quickly as possible to finalize necessary documents and develop milestones and deadlines to assure the project moves forward as scheduled.
Taxi Cab Update
Recently DC taxi cabs transitioned from a zone fare system to time and distance meters. The starting cab fare is $3, with an additional charge of 25 cents for each 1/6 mile traveled and 25 cents per minute of wait time. The maximum rate for a cab ride beginning and ending in DC is $18.90 plus applicable charges such as luggage. For more information, click here. New Motorcoach Regulations
In response to safety, security and preservation requirements, the Capitol Police, the Department of Motor Vehicles and District of Columbia have implemented several regulations that impact motorcoach travel within the city. Many other popular historic tour and travel destinations; such as Savannah, Charleston, Gettysburg and New York City; already have similar arrangements in place. These new regulations cover permitting and traffic flow for motorcoaches.
Effective immediately, coaches are precluded from traveling within certain locations on and around the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and utilizing many of the residential streets in the Capitol Hill Historic District. Motorcoach operators are also required to obtain permits for operation in the District. Click here (http://www.washington.org/tourbus/TourBusRegulations.html) for more information and to view maps of the routes affected.
Meeting Planner Newsletter Archives
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