The Lincoln Memorial's reflecting pool has turned a murky green with algae just weeks after completion of a $14.2 million renovation project, raising questions about the work's quality and the contractor selection process.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia company, won the no-bid contract to waterproof and repaint the iconic pool. The firm had previously performed maintenance work on a swimming pool at one of Trump's golf properties.
Photos comparing the pool before and after the renovation show a striking contrast. The contractor's work was intended to restore the reflecting pool to what planners described as an "American flag blue" appearance. Instead, algae blooms have overtaken the water in the months following completion, turning the surface a dull green.
The no-bid contract arrangement has drawn scrutiny, particularly given the contractor's prior work for Trump-affiliated properties. Typically, government contracts for projects of this scale undergo competitive bidding processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and accountability.
The reflecting pool is one of Washington's most recognizable outdoor spaces, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its condition directly affects the visual experience at the Lincoln Memorial, one of the nation's most visited monuments.
It remains unclear what caused the algae outbreak so soon after the waterproofing treatment or whether the contractor bears responsibility for remediation. The situation underscores ongoing debates over government contracting practices and project oversight during the recent renovation cycle of the nation's capital.
Author James Rodriguez: "A $14.2 million job that turns green in weeks is either a botched contract or poor post-completion maintenance, and either way someone has serious questions to answer."
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