Trump Administration Adds $2.65 Million to Reflecting Pool Repairs as Total Nears $20 Million
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Sep 3
Trump Administration Adds $2.65 Million to Reflecting Pool Repairs as Total Nears $20 Million
1 articles · Updated · The Independent · Sep 3
Summary
$2.65 million in new National Park Service spending last week lifted Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation costs to at least $19.1 million, despite Interior Secretary Doug Burgum saying in July that no new contracts would be sought.
The latest award went to American Ag Energy to repair and maintain water purification and sewage treatment equipment after algae returned and the Trump-requested blue sealant began peeling soon after the pool was refilled.
The project was initially pitched at $1.5 million for a quick pre-July 4 overhaul, but costs climbed through a no-bid contract, a later $6.2 million award, smaller June additions, and a $1.8 million August water-purification contract.
The repairs have also fed a legal dispute: prosecutors dropped felony vandalism charges against former Olympian David Hearn after acknowledging the liner damage stemmed from botched installation, though they still want the option to refile.