Mayor Dismisses Stadium Estimate

Asked to comment yesterday on cost estimates of more than $700 million, President Robert A. DuPuy of Major League Baseball said: "I believe the mayor indicated that number was not comparable to the numbers we have been working with. Without having the opportunity to study Dr. Gandhi's report, it's hard to really comment in detail. But we do not believe it represents an accurate number."

During the lease negotiations, which city officials said could be completed by Friday, Major League Baseball has agreed to concessions to gain more council support. Baseball negotiators recently agreed to give the city a letter of credit that would cover the Nationals' rent for one or two seasons in case of a terrorist attack or players' strike and a $20 million payment toward stadium construction. In return, the city has agreed to give baseball one-third of the parking revenue generated at the stadium on non-game days.

Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp (D), whose support for the stadium project is considered crucial by ballpark boosters, voted against Catania's bill. She said she wants to review Gandhi's new cost study before deciding whether to support the stadium lease deal.

Williams and top aides insisted that the $714 million estimate includes items that are not in the project's budget and that probably would be funded from other sources.

For example, the city is planning to build two above-ground parking structures at the stadium for $21 million. But Gandhi has said $41 million may be needed on top of that because city zoning laws require underground lots at the waterfront location. If the city builds underground lots, developers who are eager to help establish an entertainment district around the stadium will pay for it, Williams said.

Similarly, mayoral aides said, the federal government, which is building a Department of Transportation building near the stadium site, is expected to help fund the $20 million Gandhi has earmarked for upgrading the Navy Yard Metro station.

But when pressed to specify which federal agencies he has contacted for money, Williams said: "I never said the feds will pick up the whole tab. We're looking everywhere for possible sources of revenue."

Gandhi's latest analysis includes $40 million in new contingency money, in case costs rise again during the two years the stadium is under construction. That is about twice the amount that baseball recently agreed to contribute. If Gandhi insists on the higher figure, the city could be forced to ask baseball for another contribution, government sources said yesterday.

Staff writer Barry Svrluga contributed to this report.