Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Is Drained Again Amid Repair Troubles

Workers have begun draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, marking another setback in President Trump’s effort to renovate the landmark, which has been beset by an explosion of algae and allegations of vandalism.Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose department oversees the National Park Service, said the latest round of draining had been planned and was necessary to remove debris left behind from the July Fourth fireworks display on the National Mall.“Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff,” Mr. Burgum told conservative podcaster Katie Miller. “Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again.” It is the second time the pool has been drained for additional work since the project was declared completed in early June.Mr. Burgum also confirmed the administration would not seek competitive bids for the new repairs, telling CNN’s “State of the Union”: “We’ll use the same company because they did a fantastic job.”Mr. Trump ordered the restoration project earlier this year, directing crews to drain the pool and repaint the bottom in what he called “American flag blue.” In May, he posted on social media: “The goal is to have it done, at this higher level, prior to July 4th — We are ahead of schedule!” The project was awarded to two contractors: Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.However, problems emerged quickly after the initial work was completed. An algae bloom developed, and sections of the new blue coating began peeling from the pool’s floor. Mr. Trump blamed the damage on vandals, though critics argue it reflects poor workmanship and side effects of dumping hydrogen peroxide into the pool to control the algae.The vandalism claims have led to criminal charges. Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony destruction of property after his arrest related to a June 19 incident at the pool. Mr. Hearn has denied deliberately damaging the pool, saying he stopped during a bike ride and touched a loose piece of the peeling coating “to satisfy my curiosity as a citizen.” His attorneys have called the case an abuse of prosecutorial power. At least three other individuals have also been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of the pool’s coating. All three pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.Democratic members of Congress have since launched an investigation into the project, seeking answers about the total amount of taxpayer funding involved.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Is Drained Again Amid Repair Troubles

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Is Drained Again Amid Repair Troubles

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