Secretary Burgum defends cost of Reflecting Pool repairs: ‘It’s going to be a small number’

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has come out in defense of President Donald Trump’s renovations of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, despite criticism over peeling paint and algae issues. Burgum stated that the renovations have been a “big success” and are necessary ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The renovations to the Reflecting Pool began in April and have exceeded the initial budget, costing over $16 million, $4 million more than the original contract. The Trump administration has stood by the project, citing its importance for the upcoming milestone event.

Burgum highlighted the improvements made to the Reflecting Pool, stating that it is no longer leaking 45,000 gallons of water a day. He mentioned that only a small portion of the industrial liner remains damaged and will be repaired soon. The Secretary also emphasized that the project was completed at a fraction of the cost of previous similar projects.

In response to vandalism incidents, including a 350-foot gash in the pool’s liner, Trump and Burgum have blamed vandals for the damage. Additional security measures, including the installation of more cameras, have been implemented to prevent further incidents.

Burgum expressed confidence in the success of the Reflecting Pool renovations, noting that the majority of the work was related to labor and materials for the liner. He also mentioned the installation of a new nanobubbler system to combat algae growth in the pool.

As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Burgum assured that any remaining issues with the Reflecting Pool will be addressed promptly. He emphasized the importance of preserving this iconic landmark for future generations to enjoy.

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.