If you have visited the Washington, D.C., Reflecting Pool in recent years, you have probably noticed a buildup of algae and other debris in the pool. The current administration is renovating the civic space through its beautification program by utilizing private contractors to renovate the pool, for what was originally estimated to cost around 2 million dollars, but is now estimated at 11-13 million dollars due to a shortened timeline and larger scope of operations. The company conducting operations is a private contractor selected by President Trump that had previously worked on his home, Mar-a-Lago. In an interview, the president stated that the price and timeline had been shortened compared to previous attempts and acknowledged the laborers’ work. A decision was made to change the pool’s color to “American Flag Blue,” with the intent to evoke national pride. Some have criticized the new color, describing it as altering a historic piece or making it resemble a theme-park attraction rather than a patriotic symbol.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the 250th anniversary and is being conducted by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia-based company. The goal is to remove the algae, sediment, and debris, as well as fix structural concerns and apply a new waterproof coating. An impressive part of this deal was that the previous attempts over the years had failed to renovate the site to the extent it is today, and claimed it would be over three hundred million dollars and three and a half years to complete, which the new deal pales in comparison to. Former POTUS Obama was able to make progress on a renovation for $34 million in 2012, but this renovation was not able to meet the goals fully. There are many new additions to D.C happening or being planned at the moment, but everyone can have comfort in knowing our capital is getting some much-needed love.