The Lincoln Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. is undergoing further repairs, with the Department of the Interior awarding a new contract valued at $682,000 to Virginia-based Persimmon Grove LLC to replace valves. This latest expenditure contributes to a total cost exceeding $15 million for the troubled landmark's upkeep.
The new contract, which runs from September 10 to October 15, is part of ongoing efforts to address issues plaguing the pool. Persimmon Grove LLC has previously been paid $488,000 for the cleaning and repair of the adjacent Constitution Gardens Lake, which was drained ahead of the America 250th birthday celebrations in July.
The Reflecting Pool has faced significant problems since its repainting. The Trump administration hired Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a firm that had previously worked on pools at Trump's golf club, to paint the pool American Flag Blue. However, shortly after the job's completion, algae reappeared, and large sections of the paint began to peel off.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings has since admitted to errors in the application of the paint, citing 'human oversight' and the use of incompatible chemicals in reports to the Interior Department. Initially, the Trump administration had estimated the repainting work would cost $1.8 million, but Atlantic is now set to receive $14.7 million under a no-bid contract for the original painting job.
These issues led to initial claims by President Trump blaming vandals for the damage. Several individuals were charged with felony vandalism, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who faced potential prison time. However, these charges were later dropped when prosecutors acknowledged that the damage was the result of a 'botched' renovation.
The reversal of the vandalism charges reportedly led to a public exchange between Trump and his ally, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, on Truth Social, with Trump expressing his disagreement with the decision to drop the charges. Reports also indicated a contentious meeting in the Oval Office between Pirro and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
In a statement, the Interior Department described the pool's water valves as 'falling apart' and confirmed their replacement. The department also noted that the contractor was replacing sections damaged by vandals, who allegedly reached into the pool and ripped at the coating, in addition to the issues stemming from the renovation itself. The department characterized the work as being completed in 'record time' for the 250th celebrations.