The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained for the second time in three months. According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, crews began draining the pool on Sunday after the July Fourth fireworks show.
Renovation Efforts
The move comes after weeks of problems, including algae blooms, green-hued water, a chipping bottom, and allegations of vandalism, have plagued the iconic landmark. The Trump administration has said that vandals caused damage to the Reflecting Pool by gashing the lining, though they have not provided evidence to support that claim.
The administration will use the same contractor, Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, for this next round of repairs. Previously, the company landed a no-bid contract worth more than $14 million for their part of the work – sealing the pool and painting the bottom “American Flag- blue.”
Burgum suggested that the repairs could happen with the pool only being partially drained. He also said that the government could “absolutely” prove the damage was caused by vandals, and that there are photographs supporting the claim.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
