Burgum Defends Cost of Fixes to Reflecting Pool, Insists 'It's Going to be a Small Number'
US Interior Secretary Defends Renovations of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has defended the Trump administration's renovations of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been plagued by peeling paint and algae. The project, which began in April, has cost over $16 million, exceeding the original contract by $4 million.
Burgum stated that the pool is no longer leaking 45,000 gallons of water daily and that less than one-tenth of one percent of the industrial liner has been damaged. He attributed the damage to vandals, echoing President Donald Trump's claims that individuals used a knife or box-cutter to rip a 350-foot gash in the liner.
The secretary added that additional fixes to the pool's lining will not be costly, citing the majority of the work being related to labor and materials for the liner. Burgum also highlighted the new nanobubbler system, which has helped combat the algae issue.
The Reflecting Pool renovations have been a point of contention, with critics, including House Oversight Committee Democrat Robert Garcia, calling it a "failed vanity project." However, Burgum maintained that the project has been a success, with the water now being "crystal clear." The pool was temporarily closed for the July Fourth fireworks display, but Burgum assured that the necessary repairs will be made in the coming weeks.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has defended the Trump administration's renovations of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been plagued by peeling paint and algae. The project, which began in April, has cost over $16 million, exceeding the original contract by $4 million.
Burgum stated that the pool is no longer leaking 45,000 gallons of water daily and that less than one-tenth of one percent of the industrial liner has been damaged. He attributed the damage to vandals, echoing President Donald Trump's claims that individuals used a knife or box-cutter to rip a 350-foot gash in the liner.
The secretary added that additional fixes to the pool's lining will not be costly, citing the majority of the work being related to labor and materials for the liner. Burgum also highlighted the new nanobubbler system, which has helped combat the algae issue.
The Reflecting Pool renovations have been a point of contention, with critics, including House Oversight Committee Democrat Robert Garcia, calling it a "failed vanity project." However, Burgum maintained that the project has been a success, with the water now being "crystal clear." The pool was temporarily closed for the July Fourth fireworks display, but Burgum assured that the necessary repairs will be made in the coming weeks.
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