The latest chapter in the Lincoln Reflecting Pool renovation unfolded this week when the Department of the Interior announced a $2.7 million contract with American Ag Energy, a Massachusetts‑based firm that specializes in renewable‑energy technology. The one‑year agreement, which could be extended for up to five additional years and rise to $8.8 million, will cover repairs and maintenance of the pool’s sewage and water‑purification systems.
Local impact of a national project
While the Reflecting Pool is a national symbol, the work directly affects Washington, D.C. residents and the millions of tourists who visit the monument each year. The pool, a centerpiece of the nation’s capital, has been plagued by persistent algae growth since President Trump’s executive order to make the capital “safe and beautiful.” The order reflects a broader commitment to preserving historic landmarks for families and future generations.
Contractor background and controversy
American Ag Energy’s CEO, Richard Rosen, told CNN he recognized a solution after learning of the algae problem from a company director and a news report. Rosen’s past includes a 2016 voter‑fraud conviction that was later overturned by the New Hampshire Supreme Court on evidentiary grounds. He is currently in mediation with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office regarding potential refiling of charges.
Cost escalation and previous efforts
President Trump initially projected the Reflecting Pool renovation would cost $2‑3 million. That estimate has ballooned to “less than $20 million,” with the current total exceeding $14 million after the latest contract. Earlier this year, the administration hired Greenwater Services, an Ohio firm whose co‑owner, J.J. Cafaro, is a longtime Trump supporter. Greenwater employed ozone nanobubble technology under a $1.7 million contract, yet the algae persisted and the pool’s blue liner began to peel, a setback the president attributed to vandalism.
Legal fallout and administration response
Several individuals were arrested for allegedly damaging the pool. Olympian canoeist David Hearn faced a potential ten‑year sentence, but the Justice Department later dropped the case. D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office acknowledged in a filing that the Interior Department’s renovation was “hasty and botched,” prompting President Trump to criticize Pirro on Truth Social, calling the allegations “pure vandalism.”
Next steps
With the new contract in place, Rosen and his team are beginning a survey of the pool. He said, “They want me to solve it the right way, okay, and they’re doing a very good job, trying to do the right thing and I will be very helpful to them.” The administration remains confident that the combined efforts of American Ag Energy and previous contractors will finally restore the Reflecting Pool to its intended splendor.
What this means for Washington families
Restoring the Reflecting Pool is more than a cosmetic project; it is a statement about preserving national heritage for families and future generations. By investing in modern, renewable‑energy‑based water treatment, the Trump administration aims to demonstrate responsible stewardship while keeping the iconic landmark safe for the public.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
