On April 8, 2026, Mayor Muriel Bowser submitted a request to the Council of the District of Columbia to reprogram $42 million in FY 2026 capital funds from the H Street Bridge project to the Benning Road Bridge project. This reprogramming is necessary to provide a temporary financial backstop for federal-aid funding required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Benning Road Bridge project, which is classified as a "mega project" with an estimated total cost of $265 million. The funds will allow the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to begin construction immediately while awaiting federal funding, which is expected to be available in FY 2027.

The reprogramming is justified due to delays in the H Street Bridge project, which has been postponed until FY 2028 due to redesign and procurement issues. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) has reviewed the request and confirmed that it will not adversely impact DDOT's budget or the District's financial plan. Once the federal funds are secured, the $42 million will be reallocated back to the H Street Bridge project. The reprogramming is seen as a critical step to ensure the timely reconstruction of the Benning Road Bridge, which is essential for the redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site.